[Surveillance for HIV infection in MSM selected through respondent driven sampling in Beijing, 2005-2012]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key population for HIV surveillance.
• Understanding HIV prevalence trends and effective surveillance methods in MSM is crucial for public health interventions.
• Previous surveillance efforts may not fully capture the dynamics of HIV transmission within the MSM community in Beijing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the HIV prevalence among MSM in Beijing from 2005 to 2012.
• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of respondent-driven sampling (RDS) for long-term HIV surveillance in this population.
• To identify demographic and behavioral factors associated with HIV infection among MSM.

Main Methods:

• Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was employed to recruit MSM participants from 2005 to 2012.
• Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires collected data on demographics and HIV risk behaviors.
• Blood samples were collected for HIV testing.

Main Results:

• Overall HIV prevalence among MSM in Beijing increased from 4.2% in 2005 to 10.1% in 2012.
• Significant increases in HIV prevalence were observed in MSM aged over 25, those in the floating population, and individuals with lower educational levels.
• HIV prevalence also rose among younger MSM (≤25 years) and those with higher education levels, though these increases were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is an effective and feasible method for conducting long-term HIV surveillance among MSM.
• HIV infection rates have risen in Beijing's MSM population, particularly among older individuals, the floating population, and those with less education.
• Targeted interventions and increased attention are needed for younger MSM and those with higher education levels.