Chu Zhou1, Jie Xu1, Zhi Dou1, Guo-Dong Mi2, Yu-Hua Ruan1, Li-Mei Shen3, Xiang-Dong Min4, Guang-Hua Lan5, Fan Li6, Tian Li7, Zhen Ning8, Guo-Hui Wu9, Zun-You Wu1. 1. National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China. 2. China-US Cooperation-Global AIDS Program. 3. Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 4. Yunnan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 5. Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 6. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 7. Chengdu Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 8. Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 9. Chongqing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the associated factors on loss to follow-up among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a prospective cohort study. METHODS: We recruited eligible HIV-negative MSM at baseline in eight cities from June to October 2009. Interviewer-administrated questionnaire and blood testings for HIV, syphilis and human simplex virus type 2, were accomplished upon enrollment, 6-month and 12-month follow-up visits in the program. Loss to follow-up was recorded at each visit in this cohort. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were conducted to examine the associated factors on loss to follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 3196 eligible MSM were enrolled at the baseline study. During one year of follow-up, 894 (28.0%) of them dropped out thoroughly while 2302 (72.1%) showed up at least on one visit. Factors as MSM who were at age 25 or younger, resided locally less than 1 year, being unemployed, self-recognized as heterosexuality or bisexuality, never taking HIV testing in the past year, having had sex with women in the past 6 months etc., were more likely to withdraw from the follow-up visits. Conclusion Age, length of residency, sex orientation and history of HIV testing were associated with the loss of follow-up among MSM cohort in our study. These factors should be considered in this kind of study design in the future.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the associated factors on loss to follow-up among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a prospective cohort study. METHODS: We recruited eligible HIV-negative MSM at baseline in eight cities from June to October 2009. Interviewer-administrated questionnaire and blood testings for HIV, syphilis and human simplex virus type 2, were accomplished upon enrollment, 6-month and 12-month follow-up visits in the program. Loss to follow-up was recorded at each visit in this cohort. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were conducted to examine the associated factors on loss to follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 3196 eligible MSM were enrolled at the baseline study. During one year of follow-up, 894 (28.0%) of them dropped out thoroughly while 2302 (72.1%) showed up at least on one visit. Factors as MSM who were at age 25 or younger, resided locally less than 1 year, being unemployed, self-recognized as heterosexuality or bisexuality, never taking HIV testing in the past year, having had sex with women in the past 6 months etc., were more likely to withdraw from the follow-up visits. Conclusion Age, length of residency, sex orientation and history of HIV testing were associated with the loss of follow-up among MSM cohort in our study. These factors should be considered in this kind of study design in the future.