HIV risk taking and risk preventing behaviors in men who have sex with men and women: a respondent-driven sampling study in Shenzhen, China

Results The HIV risk preventing behaviors such as uptake of HIV testing and other services and consistent condom use with male partners were comparable in MSMW and MSMO. However, HIV risk taking behaviors, in terms of having multiple anal sex partners, using illicit drugs, using alcohol before or during sex and having group sex, were more common among MSMW than among MSMO. Moreover, HIV prevalence was as high as 6% and consistent condom use was low: 41% with wives and 38% with girlfriends in MSMW. Conclusions We conclude that there is risk of HIV transmission from MSMW to the general heterosexual population. Special efforts targeting MSMW are needed to reduce their HIV risk taking behaviors. Outreach education programs implemented by their peers who are behaviorally bisexuals may be an important strategy.