Do gay and bisexual men who conceal their same-sex behavior prefer different kinds of health services? Findings across four cities to inform client-centered HIV prevention in China

Background In China, addressing disparities in the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) requires targeted efforts to increase their engagement and retention in prevention. In an effort to advance MSM-friendly HIV services within China, and informed by community-based partnerships, we tested whether MSM who have ever versus never disclosed their same-sex behavior to healthcare providers (HCP) differ in sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics as well as the qualities of sexual health services each group would prefer to access. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among HIV-negative MSM who went to MSM-focused voluntary counseling and testing clinics in four cities in China. The survey was anonymous and collected information on sociodemographic characteristics, testing behaviors, sexual-health related behavior, and sexual health service model preferences. Results Of 357 respondents, 68.1% participants had ever disclosed same-sex behavior to HCPs when seeking advice for sexual health. Younger age ( aOR = 1.04; 95% CI : 1.01-1.08), and worry of HIV acquisition ( aOR = 1.39; 95% CI : 1.05–1.84) were associated with higher odds of past disclosure. The availability of comprehensive sexual health services was one of the most valued characteristics of the ideal sexual health clinic. Those who ever disclosed and never disclosed differed significantly in their ranking of the importance of three out of ten dimensions: sexual health counseling services available ( M = 3.99 vs. M = 3.65, p = .002), gay identity support available ( M = 3.91 vs. M = 3.62, p = .016) and clinic collaborates with a gay CBO ( M = 3.81 vs. M = 3.56, p = .036). Conclusions Our hypothesis that MSM who had disclosed versus never disclosed same-sex behavior would differ in the value they placed on different dimensions of sexual health service was partially borne out. As health authorities in China decide on implementation models for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery and specifically within which institutions to integrate PrEP services, the preferences of target populations should be considered to develop comprehensive, patient-centric and LGBT-friendly services.