Abstract
Background: Both alcohol use/misuse and HIV incidence are increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Little is known about predictors of alcohol use/misuse. Methods: An online nationwide sample (n = 1100) of MSM from mainland China was recruited between 2014 and 2015. The study objective was to examine the prevalence of a history of alcohol use and frequency of binge drinking in the previous 6 months in this population and assess their relationship with psychological and public health issues. Results: Nearly 62.1% of respondents reported a history of alcohol use; 30.7% were current infrequent binge drinkers; and 13.6% were current frequent binge drinkers. Adjusted logistic models showed that MSM who reported a history of alcohol use were more likely to report drug use in the previous 6 months (AOR = 1.67); higher levels of internalized homophobia (AOR = 1.49); and partial or full disclosure of their sexual orientation (AOR = 1.46). MSM engaging in current frequent binge drinking were more likely to report female sexual partners (AOR = 2.04) and drug use (AOR = 1.61) in the previous 6 months; higher levels of sexual sensation seeking (AOR = 1.68); and higher levels of homosexual stigma (AOR = 1.69). MSM who reported being unsure of their HIV status were less likely to be current frequent binge drinkers (AOR = 0.46). Conclusions: A high prevalence of a history of alcohol use and binge drinking exists among Chinese MSM. Strategies that target alcohol use/misuse in this population are needed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 61-68 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Drug and alcohol dependence |
Volume | 202 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1 2019 |
Keywords
- Alcohol use
- Binge drinking
- China
- HIV
- Men who have sex with men
- Minority stress
- Sensation seeking
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Pharmacology (medical)