Incidence of HIV-1, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C virus infections and predictors associated with retention in a 12-month follow-up study among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China.

Objective: To investigate the incidence of HIV-1, syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and predictors associated with retention in a 12-month follow-up study among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China.

Methods: A total of 507 eligible seronegative MSM were enrolled. Study participants were tested for HIV-1, syphilis, HBV, and HCV and counseled at the baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up visits. The retention rates were analyzed as a function of demographic, behavioral, and recruitment variables.

Results: Of the 507 participants, 86.2% (437) were retained in the cohort at the 12-month follow-up visit. The incidence rates were 2.6 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1% to 4.1%] for HIV-1 infection, 16.9 per 100 person-years for syphilis (95% CI: 12.4% to 21.3%), 3.3 per 100 person-years for HBV (95% CI: 1.5% to 5.1%), and 0.2 per 100 person-years for HCV (95% CI: 0% to 0.7%). Higher education (adjusted odds ratio = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.66) and appearing at the 6-month follow-up visit (adjusted odds ratio = 26.15, 95% CI: 13.44 to 50.89) were significantly associated with 12-month retention.

Conclusions: HIV, syphilis, and HBV incidence are high among MSM. Intensified intervention is needed urgently. Widespread screening for HIV, syphilis, HBV, and HCV in this group should be considered as measures for control.