Open AccessFactors associated with disclosing men who have sex with men (MSM) sexual behaviors and HIV-positive status: A study based on a social network analysis in Nanjing, China
Author(s) -
Lusi Chen,
Dashuai Lian,
Bei Wang
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0196116
Subject(s) - men who have sex with men , odds ratio , demography , confidence interval , logistic regression , social support , medicine , population , multivariate analysis , social network (sociolinguistics) , epidemiology , psychology , gerontology , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , family medicine , environmental health , social psychology , social media , sociology , political science , law , syphilis
Objective We explored the factors associated with disclosure of men who have with sex with men (MSM) behaviors and HIV-positive status among HIV-positive MSM in Nanjing, China. Methods Social network analysis and epidemiological methods were combined in this pilot study. Information about participants’ (egos’) characteristics and behaviors and their social network members (alters) were collected through interview-administered questionnaires. General estimating equation logistic regression analysis was applied in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Eighty-seven HIV-positive MSM participated. Their mean age was 35.9 ±13.81years. They were more likely to disclose their MSM behavior to their friends [adjust Odds Ratio (AOR) = 6.43, 95% confidence interval (CI):3.08–13.42] or to the social network members who were not heterosexual [AOR = 4.40, 95%CI: 2.17–8.91]. Being participants’ friends [AOR = 5.16, 95%CI: 2.03–13.10] or family members [AOR = 6.22, 95%CI: 2.52–15.33] was significantly associated with HIV-positive status disclosure. Conclusion HIV-positive MSM tended to disclose their MSM behaviors and HIV positive status to close friends, family members or other individuals who were HIV-positive, engaging in MSM behavior, or both. Consequently, it will be an effective way to implement HIV prevention and intervention strategies in both MSM population and their trusted social networks.