Trends of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C Infections Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Chongqing, China: A Serial Cross-sectional Survey From 2011 to 2018

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence and incidence rates have expeditiously increased among Chongqing men who have sex with men (MSM) over the past decade. This study investigated the trends of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and behavioral attributes of Chongqing MSM. METHODS: Chongqing MSM who were 18 years or older were recruited annually from 2011 to 2018. Interviewer-administered paper-pencil interviews were used to collect demographics, behavioral information, and sexually transmitted diseases history. Blood samples were collected for the tests of HIV, syphilis, and HCV. A stepwise regression model was conducted to assess the associations of demographics, behaviors, and syphilis and HCV infections with HIV infection. RESULTS: A total of 4900 MSM participated in the study. The average HIV, syphilis, and HCV prevalence over 8 years were 15.4%, 4.0%, and 0.3%, respectively. The HIV prevalence ranged from 13.5% to 16.4%. Syphilis and HCV were generally low and stable across years. An increased proportion of participants received HIV counseling, testing, and condoms. Multivariable regression indicated that HIV-positive MSM were more likely to be older, married, and less educated, and they were more likely to perform unprotected anal intercourse with male partners in the past 6 months, have syphilis, and less likely to receive HIV counseling, testing, condoms, and peer education in the past year. CONCLUSIONS: The HIV counseling, testing, and peer education programs showed a negative association with HIV-positive status among Chongqing MSM. The HIV prevalence is still high. More programs must be implemented to effectively curb the HIV epidemic.