Factors associated with one-night stands among men who have sex with men recruited via the internet: a cross-sectional survey in China

TL;DR

This study explores factors linked to one-night stands among gay men in China, highlighting risks for HIV transmission and suggesting prevention strategies.

Contribution

The study identifies specific behavioral and demographic factors associated with one-night stands among Internet-recruited MSM in China.

Findings

44.7% of surveyed men who have sex with men in China reported one-night stands.

Factors like offline meeting venues, drug use, and condom efficacy beliefs increase one-night stand likelihood.

Having a regular partner or knowing HIV status reduces the likelihood of one-night stands.

Abstract

One-night stands among men who have sex with men (MSM) significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission. Given the growing role of the Internet in facilitating such encounters, this study examined the factors associated with one-night stands among Internet-recruited MSM in China to identify actionable targets for behavioral interventions and HIV prevention strategies.

The study participants were MSM recruited online in May 2024 through a non-governmental organization, and a questionnaire survey was conducted. The participants were divided into two groups based on whether they had experienced one-night stands or not (i.e., one-night stand and non-one-night stand groups). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to analyze the factors associated with the occurrence of one-night stands among the participants.

A total of 604 participants were surveyed, 270 of whom reported having one-night stands and accounted for 44.70% (270/604). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age groups, meeting homosexual partners in offline fixed venues (such as bars, karaoke television, and saunas), seeking male partners primarily via the Internet/dating apps, having anal intercourse with homosexual partners in the last 6 months, engaging in behaviors such as drinking, drug use (including new drugs), or using aphrodisiacs (such as Viagra) during sexual encounters, and believing that condoms can effectively prevent HIV transmission were associated with a higher likelihood of having one-night stands. Conversely, participants who had a regular homosexual partner or knew their homosexual partner's HIV status had a lower likelihood of experiencing one-night stands.

The proportion of participants who had one-night stands was relatively high, indicating the need for increased public education within the MSM population. It is essential to promote consistent condom use during anal intercourse, maintain regular homosexual partners, and enhance HIV testing coverage. Furthermore, efforts should be made to avoid behaviors such as drinking, drug use, and using aphrodisiacs during sexual encounters to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in MSM.

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