Factors associated with cohort retention among men who have sex with men

ObjectiveTo explore factors associated with cohort retention among men who have sex with men(MSM) and to provide reference for incidence study of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection. MethodsMSM were recruited for a cohort using classified snowball sampling from July to September,2009 in Changzhou city.The first follow-up period began in December of 2009 and the second in June of 2010.The sociodemographic characteristics and behaviors relevant to cohort retention were analyzed. ResultsTotally 408 MSM were recruited for the cohort,in which 177 MSM were followed up at least one time,the cohort retention rate was 43.4%.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that senior high school and higher level education(odds ratio OR=1.93,95% confidence interval 95%CI=1.24-2.99),with local residence(OR=2.15,95%CI=1.26-3.65),having commercial sex(OR=0.36,95%CI=0.17-0.76),having more feminine sexual partner(OR=2.07,95%CI=1.17-3.68),and sexual partner-seeking venues(OR=0.47,95%CI=0.25-0.89)were significantly associated with cohort retention(P<0.05). ConclusionThe MSM with high education,registered local residence in Changzhou,without commercial sex and with female-dominated sexual partners were inclined to keep in the cohort.