Trends of HIV and sexually transmitted infections, estimated HIV incidence, and risky sexual behaviors among gay bathhouse attendees in Taiwan: 2004-2008

AIDS Behav. 2011 Feb;15(2):292-7. doi: 10.1007/s10461-010-9748-2.

Abstract

Five serial cross-sectional surveys were done at eight gay bathhouses in Taiwan to investigate the trends of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and estimated HIV incidence between 2004 and 2008. Bathhouse attendees completed a questionnaire and tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C virus, and amoebiasis. Twenty-nine (38.6%) were identified as having recent HIV-1 infections. There was a significant increase in HIV incidence, from 7.8% in 2004 to 15% in 2007 (χ(2) = 17.59, P-trend <0.001). Recreational drug use is the primary risk behavior. Comprehensive screening programs in gay bathhouses for early detection of HIV and STIs are important.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV Seroprevalence
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / diagnosis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control
  • Steam Bath
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Taiwan / epidemiology
  • Young Adult