The use of inappropriate anal douching tool associates with increased HIV infection among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study in Shenyang, China

Abstract Background Rectal douching (RD) is widely practiced by men who have sex with (MSM), and associated increased risk of HIV infection. However, the mechanism how RD increases infection not well understood, there limited data on behavior in MSM practicing anal China. We examine purpose RD, its timing relation to sex, types products used, risky sexual behaviors among reporting sex. Methods Between August 2017 December 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted adult Shenyang, Data were collected demographics, behaviors, for most recent intercourse means interviewer-administered face-to-face questionnaires. Blood samples test antibodies syphilis. Multivariable logistic regression models used assess factors Results A total 515 eligible participated this survey (median age: 31 years). During intercourse, 28.3% (146/515) had condomless receptive (CRAI), 21.4% (110/515) serosorting, more than half (61.6%, 317/515) reported before or after Of those 96.8% (307/317) while 62.5% (198/317) The devices primarily shower hoses (85.3%, 262/307), relatively few commercial (8.1%, 25/307) prevalence HIV-1 syphilis 11.7% 13.2%, respectively. positively interaction between CRAI using hose other factors, CRAI, nitrite inhalants, main role males as bottom Conclusions popular Chinese MSM. Improper noncommercial tools use (such hose), effect Public health workers community should publicize scientific knowledge prevention approaches relating transmission recommend that further studies be understand detailed prevalence.