[HIV incidence and factor related to lost-to-follow-up among men who have sex with men in Harbin, Heilongjiang].

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) and its related factors in Harbin, Heilongjiang province.

METHODS

A total of 661 MSM were recruited at baseline study from April to June 2013, and followed at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months periods, respectively. Face to face questionnaire interviews were conducted and venous blood was collected for HIV testing among these people. Univariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with lost-to-follow-up in the cohort.

RESULTS

At the end of 18-month follow-up period, the HIV incidence density in the cohort was 4.23/100 person year (95%CI: 2.91/100 person year-5.93/100 person year) , with the follow-up rate of loss as 15.4%. Factors as failed to receiving the intervention programs, being at older age, with higher education level and receiving no HIV testing in this MSM community, were related to the loss of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The HIV incidence rate was high among the MSM in Harbin. MSM community based cohort study could improve the efficiency on the study for the problems of follow-up.