A Study of the STD/AIDS Related Attitudes and Behaviors of Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hong Kong

A random population based study was carried out to understand HIV-related attitudes and behaviors and self-reported sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among men who have had sex with men (MSM) in Hong Kong. A special computerized telephone survey method was used and 85 MSM were identified (from a total sample of 2,074 men), 47.1% of whom had at least one male sex partner in the past 6 months. Among these 85 MSM, 29.4% had multiple partners and 37.5% had had anal sex in the last 6 months (67% of them were inconsistent condom users). MSM were more likely to have contracted at least one STD in the last 6 months (10.6%) and were less likely to perceive susceptibility for contracting HIV (62.4%) than those other respondents who visited a female sex worker (FSW) in the past 6 months (4.3% and 43%, respectively). About 45% of the MSM did not perceive condom use to be efficacious for HIV prevention (vs. 30% for male clients of FSW). The study is limited by its small number; however, it suggests that MSM in Hong Kong may be at high risk of contracting HIV. Prevention programs should attempt to change attitudes (e.g., perceived efficacy of condom use, perceived susceptibility, awareness of risk involved, etc.) as well as behaviors. The feasibility for establishing a behavioral surveillance system for this population was demonstrated.