HIV and Syphilis among MSM in China
2011

HIV and Syphilis Co-Infection Increasing among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China

Sample size: 71 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Chow Eric P. F., Wilson David P., Zhang Lei

Primary Institution: The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

Hypothesis

This study aims to estimate the magnitude and changing trends of HIV, syphilis and HIV-syphilis co-infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China during 2003–2008.

Conclusion

There have been significant increases in HIV and syphilis prevalence among MSM in China.

Supporting Evidence

  • HIV prevalence among MSM increased from 1.3% during 2003–2004 to 4.7% during 2007–2008.
  • Syphilis prevalence increased from 6.8% during 2003–2004 to 13.5% during 2007–2008.
  • HIV-syphilis co-infection increased from 1.4% during 2005–2006 to 2.7% during 2007–2008.

Takeaway

The study found that more men who have sex with men in China are getting HIV and syphilis, which is a big problem.

Methodology

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting HIV and syphilis prevalence among MSM from 2003 to 2008.

Potential Biases

Significant publication bias was observed, as studies with higher prevalence are more likely to be published.

Limitations

The study may overestimate prevalence levels as data were primarily collected from large urban cities, excluding rural areas.

Participant Demographics

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in China.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI: 0.5–1.3%

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0022768

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