Correlates of Meningococcal B Vaccination and Health Behavior Profiles Among MSM in China

Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccination offers protection against invasive meningococcal disease and moderate cross-protection against gonorrhea. However, little is known about coverage and behavioral correlates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. This study assessed self-reported MenB vaccination uptake and its associations with sociodemographic and behavioral factors.

We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey among 1022 MSM recruited via community-based organizations and online platforms. Vaccination status and recent sexual behaviors were self-reported. Logistic regression identified correlates of uptake, and latent class analysis (LCA) examined behavioral profiles.

Participants had a mean age of 29.6 years; most were unmarried (87.7%) and nearly 90% had a college degree or above. Overall, 21.7% reported receiving MenB vaccination. Uptake was positively associated with condomless anal intercourse (aOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.08-2.31), group sex (occasionally: aOR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.01-2.64; frequently: aOR = 3.86, 95% CI: 1.85-8.04), and female partners in the past six months (aOR = 3.69, 95% CI: 2.25-6.10). MSM with multiple casual male partners were less likely to be vaccinated (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.32-0.93). LCA identified heterogeneous subgroups; notably, the "multi-partner and proactive" group, with high pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV infection awareness and frequent STI testing, showed low uptake (13.4%).

MenB vaccination coverage among MSM in China remained suboptimal. Uptake differed across behavioral subgroups, underscoring the need for stratified, context-specific strategies to inform future vaccine introduction.