Poppers use and risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men in Beijing, China

• Community based large sample showed poppers were the most popular drug used among MSM in Beijing.
• Poppers use was related to a higher HIV prevalence among this population.
• High risk sex behaviors were associated with poppers use among this population.
• Alcohol and polydrug use were both correlates of poppers use among this population.

BackgroundAlthough poppers are increasingly popular among MSM in China, little is known about the patterns of poppers use. The objectives of this study were to describe the patterns of poppers use and examine its association with sexual behaviors and HIV infection among MSM in Beijing, China.MethodsAs part of a multi-component HIV intervention trial, 3588 MSM were surveyed between March 2013 and March 2014 in Beijing, China. Blood samples were collected and tested for HIV and syphilis. The questionnaire collected information about socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the correlates of poppers use.ResultsOver a quarter of men (27.5%) reported having used at least one type of drugs in the past three months. Poppers were the most popular one (26.8%). Poppers use was correlated with a higher HIV prevalence [odds ratio (OR): 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.70]. Demographic and sexual behavioral factors associated with poppers use included: younger age [adjusted OR (AOR): 1.56, 95% CI: 1.25–1.94], higher education (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.33–1.96), alcohol use (AOR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.10–1.60), seeking male partners mainly via the internet (AOR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.28–2.00), multiple male sex partnership (AOR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.90–2.60), and unprotected receptive anal intercourse (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.28–1.81).ConclusionsIn this study, poppers use was positively associated with HIV infection and unprotected anal intercourse. Intervention efforts should be devoted to promote safer sex and HIV testing and counseling among MSM who use poppers.