HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) with recent male-male sexual debut, such as within the past 5 years, may be a proxy for recent HIV infection. Using this definition, we explored factors associated with HIV infection in this group to understand the evolving HIV epidemic among MSM in Chongqing. We conducted a cross-sectional respondent-driven sampling survey among Chongqing MSM in 2011. Computer-assisted, self-administered questionnaires were used and blood specimens were collected for HIV and syphilis testing. Three hundred and ninety-one unique MSM were recruited of which 65.7 % (257) had their sexual debut with another man in the past 5 years. HIV prevalence among men with recent sexual debut was 18.7 % suggesting a possible HIV incidence of 3.7 %. Multivariable analysis among men with recent sexual debut suggests that lower education, having more than one male partner, and currently being infected with syphilis are associated with HIV among men with recent sexual debut. HIV prevalence is high among MSM with recent sexual debut in Chongqing, which may be a proxy a high incidence rate. HIV prevention efforts should focus on STD reduction among those MSM with lower educational attainment.
Keywords: China; HIV; Incidence; Men who have sex with men; Recent HIV infection; Sexual debut.