A pilot intervention to increase condom use and HIV testing and counseling among men who have sex with men in Anhui, China.

OBJECTIVE

To test the feasibility of a peer-driven behavioral intervention and to evaluate efficacy in reducing HIV-related risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China.

METHODS

Twelve seeds were recruited from traditional MSM venues and a total of 218 MSM were enrolled into 12 intervention groups participating in 4 intervention sessions. The intervention was conducted from May to October 2006 in Anhui Province. Reported condom use and HIV testing were used as outcome indicator to evaluate effectiveness of intervention.

RESULTS

Average age was 25.5 years old, 64.2% reported homosexual orientation, and 22.5% bisexual orientation. 77.9% of participants were followed up 3 months after intervention completion. Self-reported condom use measured as use in last 3 episodes of anal intercourse with another man increased from 55.3% at baseline to 65.2% postintervention, whereas HIV testing increased from 10.0% at baseline to 52.4% postintervention. No significant reduction in the number of male sexual partners occurred; however, number of female sexual partners decreased significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions are effective in increasing condom use and HIV testing but not in reducing the number of sexual partners. Expansion of such intervention needs to be further explored.