Comparison of HIV/AIDS prevalence among men who have sex with men between Suzhou and Yangzhou city

Objective To compare the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted disease(HIV/STD)as well as its related behaviors among men who have sex with men(MSM)between Suzhou and Yangzhou city and to provide evidence for specific intervention on the diseases.Methods Betw een April and July 2009,305 MSM in Suzhou city and 300 MSM in Nanjing city were investigated with a cross-sectional questionnaire survey.Blood samples were collected for HIV/STD test.Results There were significant differences in age,marital status,census register, education,occupation,monthly income,know ledge about AIDS among the MSM between the two cities.MSM in Suzhou were more likely to have multiple homosexual partners and have unprotected anal sex with men than MSM in Yangzhou. The prevalence rate of HIV infection in Suzhou was 9.2%(28/305)and the rate was 10.0%(30/300)in Yangzhou, without significant difference between the two cities.The prevalence rate of syphilis was 19.7%(60/305)in Suzhou, which was significantly lower than 31.3%(94/300)in Yangzhou.Conclusion There were some differences in demographics and risk behaviors between MSM in the two cities.Related measures of HIV/AIDS prevention and control should be adjusted to local conditions.