HIV-related risk factors among male sex workers in different settings in Shenzhen, China

Results Among 394 subjects, the prevalence of HIV infection was 5.1%, with 6.9% among MSWs in parks (PMSW), 11.3% among MSWs in family clubs(FMSW, a kind of home-based brothels holding small group of MSWs 15). Syphilis prevalence was 14.2%, with 25.0% in PMSWs, 17.6% in FMSW and 10.6% in EMSWs. Both HIV and syphilis prevalence were significantly different among different type of MSWs. Independent PMSWs and small grouping FMSWs had a higher proportion of self-identifying as homosexual/gay and fewer female sex partners, elder or higher polarization in age. In addition, a higher proportion of MSWs was found coming from provinces with higher HIV prevalence, and lower coverage by HIV-related education program and relevant services. Discussion Different type of male sex work is associated with HIV infection. MSWs working in family clubs and parks are comparatively with higher risk of being infected, while MSWs working in big entertainment venues showed a lowest HIV prevalence within the past few years in Shenzhen. This situation indicated that current HIV prevention intervention strategy that focus on big venues is quiet effective and should be expanded to cover the MSM population frequenting small venues.