A systematic review of interventions for HIV prevention among MSM (men who have sex with men) : what mainland China could learn from other countries?

Abstract

Background: The epidemic of HIV among MSM in China shows a hiking trend since 2003. The current intervention strategies in China lack effectiveness to curb the trend. It is imperative to review the interventions for HIV prevention among MSM in other countries to provide evidence for the future intervention design in China.

Objectives: This study aimed to review the HIV prevention interventions among men who have sex with men(MSM) in order to identify appropriate intervention strategies and practices to be employed in China.

Methods: Studies were searched in Pubmed database. Studies of interventions targeting MSM for HIV prevention among MSM in other countries were included in this systematic review. The search results were also filtered by the study type (i.e. RCT).The results and design of the studies were analyzed and discussed.

Results: The studies in this review were analysed in terms of the study design, sampling method, retention and intervention strategies. High risk sexual activity, condom use, HIV testing and HIV knowledge were used as outcome measurements. The findings indicated that the interventions were in general effective in reducing the sexual risk behavior and increasing the intention to have a HIV test. The design of RCT offers stronger evidence of the intervention effects. The intervention strategies combined with internet were more personalized and confidential.

Conclusions: Future intervention design in China could consider the strengths of interventions undertaken in other countries in order to improve the effectiveness and sustainability. In consideration of the context of China, this review made some suggestions for more effective implementation of interventions for HIV prevention among MSM in China.