The potential role of circuit parties in the spread of HIV among men who have sex with men in Asia: a call for targeted prevention

Arch Sex Behav. 2015 Feb;44(2):389-97. doi: 10.1007/s10508-014-0339-6. Epub 2014 Aug 8.

Abstract

We postulated that the growing popularity of circuit parties may play a role in the escalating HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Asia. The present study is the first to characterize the sociodemographic and HIV-related behavioral factors of circuit party attendees living in Asia. We analyzed a subset of data from the Asia Internet MSM Sex Survey conducted from January 1 to February 28, 2010. Inclusion criteria included: being biologically male, aged 18 years or above, self-reported sex with another man, and reported international travel in the past 6 months (N = 6,094). From our multivariable logistic regression model, participants' resident country with low HIV prevalence (among MSM) (AOR 1.59, 95 % CI 1.27-2.00) and country of destination with high HIV prevalence were independently associated with higher odds of circuit party attendance (AOR 1.32, 95 % CI 1.14-1.53) during international travel. Statistical interaction indicated circuit party attendees were likely to have traveled from low HIV prevalence (among MSM) countries to high HIV prevalence countries (AOR 1.40, 95 % CI 1.20-1.64). Other independent correlates included unprotected anal sex with a male casual sex partner and recreational drug use during travel. HIV and STI prevention focusing on circuit party attendees may have a pivotal role on the spread of the HIV epidemics among MSM in Asia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Asia / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Homosexuality, Male* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Recreation*
  • Risk Factors
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Travel*
  • Unsafe Sex* / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult