Factors associated with numbers of sex partners among men who have sex with men in Shenzhen

Objective To assess the factors associated with numbers of sex partners among men who have sex with men(MSM)in Shenzhen.Method Data of demographic and behavioral characteristic and numbers of sex partners were collected among MSM recruited by respondent-driven sampling method.Results A total of 351 MSM were recruited.In the last 6 months only 31.4% of MSM reported having had no or one sex partner for anal sex,25.9% reported having had no or one sex partners for oral sex.28.5% reported having had female sex partners,of which 11.4% reported having had more than one female sex partners.Numbers of anal sex partners and oral sex partners were both significant ly associated with working at entertainment venues and ever being a money boy.In addition,the more likely MSM perceived HIV risk,the higher scores they got on HIV knowledge and the more oral sex partners reported by them.Conclusion It is very urgent to carry out health education and behavioral intervention targeted on MSM and to prevent HIV transmission.