The Relationship Between Self-Reported Sexually Explicit Media Consumption and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China

Introduction: Previous studies have indicated that viewing sexually explicit media (SEM) might be associated with sexual risk behaviors in men who have sex with men (MSM). However, most prior research has not explored this association cross-culturally or the potential influence that important covariates might have on the association. Aim: To explore the association between self-reports of viewing SEM depicting various sexual risk behaviors and engagement in sexual risk behaviors after controlling for relevant covariates in MSM in China. Methods: Three hundred fourteen Chinese MSM participated in a web-based survey. Main Outcome Measures: SEM consumption, sexual risk behavior, and measurements of covariates. Results: SEM consumption was frequent in MSM in China. Viewing a larger proportion of SEM depicting sexual risk behaviors was associated with a larger number of regular partners with whom MSMreported engaging in sexual risk behaviors, but not with the number of casual partners, after controlling for covariates. HIV-related knowledge and seeking male sex partners were associated with the number of regular partners with whom MSM had engaged in sexual risk behaviors. Seeking sexual sensation, HIV-related knowledge, and seeking male sex partners were associated with the number of casual partners with whom MSM had engaged in sexual risk behaviors. Conclusion: Future research exploring the relation between SEM use and sexual health risk behaviors should consider theoretically important psychological and behavioral covariates. Copyright (C) 2017, International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.