Sexually transmitted infection testing practices among 'money boys' and general men who have sex with men in Shanghai, China: objective versus self-reported status

• Authors: Lavinia Lin, Emory University; Eric J. Nehl, Emory University; Alvin Tran, Emory University; Na He, Fudan University School of Public Health; Tony Zheng, Shanghai Piaoxue Cultural Media Ltd; Frank Y Wong, Emory University
• Journal Title: Sexual Health
• Volume: Volume 11, Number 1
• Publisher: CSIRO Publishing | 2014-03, Pages 94-96
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1071/SH13199
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Pathology; Health Sciences, Epidemiology; Health Sciences, Public Health
• Keywords: associations; male sex workers; prevalence; testing rates

Abstract

Little is known about sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). This study describes the prevalence of STI testing, associated factors and the validity of STI self-reporting among Chinese MSM. Findings indicated a high prevalence of STIs and low testing rates among MSM in Shanghai. Monthly income was significantly associated with STI testing (odds ratio: 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18 to 0.76). Depression was significantly associated with STI testing for general MSM (odds ratio: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.17). Syphilis self-reported status had the highest validity (k = 0.33, χ2 = 3.76, 95% CI: −0.003 to 0.65). Efforts are needed to ensure that STI testing services are accessible to MSM in China. Future HIV and STI interventions should be tailored to the needs of different subsets of MSM.