PREDICTORS OF UNPROTECTED SEX AMONG MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN IN BEIJING, CHINA

Abstract. To estimate the prevalence of HIV and syphilis and to assess the predictors of unpro-tected anal intercourse (UAI) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, a commu-nity-based survey recruited MSM in 2005 through internet advertisement, community out-reach, and peer referral. Demographic, sexual, and HIV risk behavioral information were col-lected. Serospecimens were tested for HIV and syphilis infections. Of the 526 participants, 3.2 % were HIV-positive, 11.2 % syphilis-positive, 50 % and 43.3 % had UAI with regular and casual sex partners, respectively. Participants practicing UAI with regular male partners were independently associated with lower monthly income (adjusted odds ratio-AOR, 1.7; 95 % CI, 1.0-3.0) and encountering male sex partners at bathhouses, public washrooms, and parks (AOR, 2.2; 95 % CI, 1.0-4.9). Participants practicing UAI with casual male partners were asso-ciated with encountering male sex partners at bathhouses, publics washrooms, and park (AOR, 3.0; 95 % CI, 1.8-5.2) and more male sex partners having receptive anal intercourse (AOR, 1.8; 95 % CI, 1.1-2.9), and was inversely associated with receiving money for sex with men (AOR, 0.3; 95 % CI, 0.2-0.7). Professional male sex workers were less likely to practice UAI in Beijing, suggesting the benefits of educational outreach to date. Further education, condom promo