Recreational Drug Use among Chinese MSM and Transgender Individuals: Results from a National Online Cross-Sectional Study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170024
• Publication Date: 2017-01-20T20:09:33Z
• Authors: Peizhen Zhao; Songyuan Tang; Cheng Wang; Ye Zhang; John Best; Thitikarn May Tan...; Shujie Huang; Bin Yang; Chongyi Wei; Joseph D. Tucker; Weiming Tang
• Keywords: Recreational drug use; Ecstasy; Cross-sectional study; Recreational Drug

Background Recreational drug use has increased considerably among Chinese men who have sex with (MSM). The phenomenon the potentially to increase HIV transmission MSM. aims of this study were: 1) investigate prevalence recreational MSM, and 2) explore correlation between gay smartphone based sex-seeking applications (gay apps), HIV/STIs testing, group sex, commercial sexual roles poppers Methods MSM were born biologically male, at least 16 years age had engaged in anal a man once recruited through nation-wide online survey 2014. Information regarding socio-demographics, risk behaviors, use, other STIs testing history app collected. Univariate multivariate analysis used determine factors associated Results Among 1424 participating 1100 (77.3%) reported ever using drugs their lifetime. In last 12 months, 303 (21.3%) poppers, 34 (2.4%) crystal meth 15 (1.0%) ecstasy. mean respondents was 25.6±6.8 years, 72.9% identified as gay, 41.3% students, 83.8% never been married. Multiple logistic regression models revealed that compared non-popper users, popper users more likely tested for (adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.15–1.96) (aOR 1.65, 1.26–2.17). addition, engage 2.63, CI:1.80–3.86), 1.86, CI:1.13–3.06) mobile apps seek partners 2.10, CI:1.58–2.80). Conclusion high rate including poppers. Public health programs serving may consider integrating intervention decrease related harms.