Objective To identify the general characteristics of money boys (MB, men who provided commercial sexual services to male clients) and their AIDS related behavior, knowledge and infection, and to explore practical health education and behavior interventions.
Methods A total of 124 men who have sex with men (MSM) subjects were recruited through voluntary counseling testing, internet or a local relevant organization. They were divided into MB group and non-MB group. Their AIDS related behavior, knowledge and infection information were obtained for comparison through anonymous questionnaire and blood testing.
Results Of the MB group, the average age was 26.0, their education levels lower than senior high school accounted for 76.9%, and 92.3% of them did not possess Shanghai household register. Of the non-MB group, the average age was 29.3, bachelor degrees or higher accounted for 71.4%, and 61.2% of them did not possess Shanghai household register. Bisexual males accounted for 80.8% of MB group, with more female sexual partners. Homosexual males accounted for 73.5% of non-MB group, and 62.3% of them only had sex with men. The average age of first sex with a man was 20.8 in MB group. Their rate of unsafe sexual behaviors was between 31.2%-68.8% and their risk awareness of AIDS was lower than that of the non-MB group. MB's HIV and syphilis infection rates were both 4.5%, and those of the non-MB were 5.6% and 6.7%, with no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion As more HIV risk factors exist in MB group, more attention should be paid to the cooperation with nongovernmental organizations in enhancing education and behavior intervention, in order to raise AIDS risk awareness and promote safe sexual behaviors among MB group.
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