Differences in HIV-related behaviors among MSM college/university students with different sexual orientations:a cross-sectional survey in Zhejiang province
Objective To examine differences in HIV-related behaviors among college students who are men who have sex with men(MSM)and of different sexual orientations.Methods A total of 682 MSM students aged≥18 years were recruited from colleges/universities in four cities(Hangzhou,Ningbo,Jiaxing and Jinhua)in Zhejiang province through convenience sampling with the help of NGO(non-governmental organization)for a web-based on-site survey with face-to-face instructions from interviewers from March to July 2022.Participants'information on household registration,campus location,years in college,public expression of sexual identity,online casual sex,substance abuse,HIV knowledge,pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis,and HIV testing were collected using a self-compiled questionnaire.SPSS 25.0 software was used for data analysis.Results Of the 671 valid respondents,73.3%reported a homosexual orientation and 26.7%reported a bisexual/unsure orientation.Compared to respondents with a homosexual orientation,respondents with a bisexual/uncertain orientation reported significantly lower rates of publicly expressing their sexual identity(50.8%vs.60.2%),receiving health education about condom use from peers(70.9%vs.79.1%),and self-testing for HIV once or more(64.4%vs.76.0%),but significantly higher rates of first homosexual behavior within the past year(48.8%vs.37.4%),being seduced or coerced into first homosexual behavior(27.4%vs.16.5%),and using sex-stimulating rush popper during their last online casual sexual encounter(40.7%vs.27.1%)(P<0.05 for all).Conclusion There are significant differences between MSM college/university students with a homosexual orientation and those with a bisexual/unsure orientation in public expression of sexual identity,timing and type of first homosexual encounter,use of rush popper and other substances,receipt of peer education about condom use,and self-testing for HIV,suggesting that targeted interventions to reduce the risk of HIV infection in this population should be strengthened.
human immunodeficiency virusmen who have sex with mencollege studentsrisky behaviorsexual orientation