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Public health
The HIV related risks among men having sex with men in rural Yunnan, China: a qualitative study
  1. W C W Wong1,
  2. J Zhang2,
  3. S C Wu1,
  4. T S K Kong3,
  5. D C Y Ling4
  1. 1Department of Community and Family Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 408, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
  2. 2People’s Number Two Hopsital, Dali Old Town, Yunnan, China PRC
  3. 3Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Macau, Macau
  4. 4Department of Economics, California State University, Fullerton 800 N, State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92834, USA
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr William C W Wong
 Department of Community and Family Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 408, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin Hong Kong, Hong Kong; cwwong{at}cuhk.edu.hk

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the characteristics and issues specific to HIV related risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM) in rural China.

Method: Qualitative study using semistructured in-depth interviews in Dali prefecture, Yunnan. 24 informants recruited through a local MSM network, snowballing and by word of mouth. The main outcome measures were themes identified as increased exposures and risks to HIV.

Results: Risk behaviour, social stigma, one child policy and concepts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) had significant roles in the spread of HIV in rural China. Many MSM lead a life with double identities in China and condom use was found to be variable with attempts to “rationalise” the risky behaviour being its major determining factor. Health seeking behaviours of genitourinary problems were infrequent and illogical, which were further held back by the existing healthcare system and lack of sensitivity expressed by the health professionals.

Conclusions: Clear education messages to the general public while raising awareness among health professionals of the health risks and needs in MSM are essential in the prevention of the current HIV epidemic.

  • MSM, men who have sex with men
  • STI, sexually transmitted infections
  • TCM, traditional Chinese medicine
  • HIV
  • MSM
  • China

https://doi.org/10.1136/sti.2005.016790

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    Footnotes

    • Competing interests: WCW received a travel grant from Barry and Martin Trust, UK, for this study. Barry and Martin Trust is a charity working on HIV prevention and control in China.