Wenjian Xu1, Yong Zheng2, John Mark Wiginton3, Michelle R Kaufman3. 1. Department of Sociology & Psychology, School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China; Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. 2. Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China. Electronic address: zhengy@swu.edu.cn. 3. Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Both alcohol use/misuse and HIV incidence are increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Little is known about predictors of alcohol use/misuse. METHODS: An online nationwide sample (n = 1100) of MSM from mainland China was recruited between 2014 and 2015. The study objective was to examine the prevalence of a history of alcohol use and frequency of binge drinking in the previous 6 months in this population and assess their relationship with psychological and public health issues. RESULTS: Nearly 62.1% of respondents reported a history of alcohol use; 30.7% were current infrequent binge drinkers; and 13.6% were current frequent binge drinkers. Adjusted logistic models showed that MSM who reported a history of alcohol use were more likely to report drug use in the previous 6 months (AOR = 1.67); higher levels of internalized homophobia (AOR = 1.49); and partial or full disclosure of their sexual orientation (AOR = 1.46). MSM engaging in current frequent binge drinking were more likely to report female sexual partners (AOR = 2.04) and drug use (AOR = 1.61) in the previous 6 months; higher levels of sexual sensation seeking (AOR = 1.68); and higher levels of homosexual stigma (AOR = 1.69). MSM who reported being unsure of their HIV status were less likely to be current frequent binge drinkers (AOR = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of a history of alcohol use and binge drinking exists among Chinese MSM. Strategies that target alcohol use/misuse in this population are needed.
BACKGROUND: Both alcohol use/misuse and HIV incidence are increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Little is known about predictors of alcohol use/misuse. METHODS: An online nationwide sample (n = 1100) of MSM from mainland China was recruited between 2014 and 2015. The study objective was to examine the prevalence of a history of alcohol use and frequency of binge drinking in the previous 6 months in this population and assess their relationship with psychological and public health issues. RESULTS: Nearly 62.1% of respondents reported a history of alcohol use; 30.7% were current infrequent binge drinkers; and 13.6% were current frequent binge drinkers. Adjusted logistic models showed that MSM who reported a history of alcohol use were more likely to report drug use in the previous 6 months (AOR = 1.67); higher levels of internalized homophobia (AOR = 1.49); and partial or full disclosure of their sexual orientation (AOR = 1.46). MSM engaging in current frequent binge drinking were more likely to report female sexual partners (AOR = 2.04) and drug use (AOR = 1.61) in the previous 6 months; higher levels of sexual sensation seeking (AOR = 1.68); and higher levels of homosexual stigma (AOR = 1.69). MSM who reported being unsure of their HIV status were less likely to be current frequent binge drinkers (AOR = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of a history of alcohol use and binge drinking exists among Chinese MSM. Strategies that target alcohol use/misuse in this population are needed.
Authors: Lisa G Johnston; Phyumar Soe; Asti Setiawati Widihastuti; Artha Camellia; Tarinanda Adzani Putri; Fani Fadillah Rakhmat; Risky Annisa Nurwandani; Shirley Mark Prabhu; Nurjannah Sulaiman; Paul M Pronyk Journal: AIDS Behav Date: 2021-06-18