Characteristics of high risk behavior and syphilis/HIV infection among MSM in Shenzhen in 2011

Objective To understand the characteristics of high risk behavior and syphilis/HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men(MSM)in Shenzhen and to provide scientific evidence for effective intervention.Methods With informed consent,questionnaires were conducted and blood samples were taken among MSM in Shenzhen in 2011.Results A total of 762 MSM were enrolled and received voluntary counseling and testing.The infection rates of syphilis,HIV,and syphilis/HIV co-infection among them were 17.8%,7.1% and 3.8%,respectively.As to the role in homosexual behavior,45.8% were predominantly inserted partners,23.8% were receptive partners,29.5% were both inserted and receptive partners and only 0.9% had seldom anal sex or had always oral sex.In the past 6 months,70.8% had more than one sex partners for anal sex,64.4% had more than one sex partners for oral sex.In the past 6 months,37.1% had used condoms for every act of anal sex,4.0% had used condoms for every act of oral sex and 27.1% had used condoms for every act of vaginal sex with female sex partners.Conclusions Unprotected sexual behaviors were universal among MSM in Shenzhen and they served as bridge people in transmitting syphilis/HIV from high risk population to general population.