HIV risk perception and self-reported risk behaviors among men who have sex with men using social media in Beijing, China and its implications on HIV testing

Inaccurate HIV risk perception is common among men who have sex with men (MSM). Accurate self-perceived risk and HIV testing are closely related and are essential in promoting HIV treatment cascade succeed. This cross-sectional study aims to 1) explore HIV risk perception and its associated sexual behaviors, 2) identify associated factors with HIV testing among Chinese MSM. Participants were recruited to an anonymous online survey in 2019 via an MSM social application. The questionnaire included sexual behaviors, HIV testing history, and the use of HIV prevention services. Logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with higher risk perceptions and HIV testing in the past 12 months. Total 431 MSM were recruited, 73.3% had been tested for HIV in the past year and 47.80% of MSM self-reported in the high-risk group. MSM who perceived a higher risk (AOR=3.42, 95% CI:2.06-5.68), had multiple sexual partners (AOR=2.60, 95% CI:1.40-4.83), knew sex partner’s HIV status (AOR=7.96, 95% CI:4.33-14.65), and have STI diagnosis (AOR=2.76, 95% CI:1.10-6.95), were more likely to have been tested. Risk perception and sexual behavior were associated with HIV testing. Culturally adapted, theory-driven education programs are expected to utilize in improving MSM’s risk perception accuracy and HIV testing. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: This study was reviewed and monitored by the Institutional Review Boards of Peking Union Medical College. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable. Yes The data underlying the results presented in the study are available requested from authors