Feasibility and willingness of using e-technologies for HIV prevention and research targeting Chinese MSM

This pilot study examines the feasibility and willingness for three types of e-technologies for HIV prevention and research among a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu, China. A total of 605 self-identified MSM (200 HIV seropositive, 405 HIV-) were recruited through a community-based HIV/AIDS service organization and completed a cross-sectional survey. The majority used cell phones for voice and text (99 and 95%), 53% used email, and 83% used Tencent QQ (an instant messaging technology); 54% indicated they would participate in future research studies; and 77% provided contact information for at least one e-technology. In multivariate analyses, those who were not official city residents, those better educated, and those who were HIV seropositive were more likely to provide contact information. This research indicates that MSM in China would be likely to engage in e-technology research and studies should explore these innovative communication methods.