Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Intimate Partner Violence Victimhood Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Guangzhou, China

Abstract

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been a concern among men who have sex with men (MSM), but less attention has been paid to the factors associated with this population in China. Aims We investigated the prevalence of and factors associated with IPV victimhood among MSM in Guangzhou, China. Methods Men who have sex with men were recruited from May to November 2017, and data were collected using an anonymous electronic questionnaire. χ 2 Tests and nonconditional logistic regressions were used to explore the factors associated with IPV victimhood. Results A total of 129 in 976 MSM (13.22%) reported experiencing IPV victimhood. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that individuals who had condomless anal intercourse (CAI; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–2.17) or had sex with a female partner (aOR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.15–2.83) in the past 6 months were at a higher risk of IPV victimhood. Participants who had ever experienced child sexual abuse (CSA) were more likely to experience IPV (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.32–2.94). Individuals who used rush poppers before sex had a higher risk of IPV (aOR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.21–2.63). In addition, ever having sex with a female sex partner (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.04–2.60), ever having used rush poppers before sex (aOR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.22–2.64) in the past 6 months, and ever having experienced CSA (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.35–3.01) were associated with experiencing more types of IPV. Conclusions Intimate partner violence victimhood was relatively common among MSM in Guangzhou, particularly among those who had CAI, experienced CSA, had sex with a female partner, used rush poppers before sex, and with less education.