Sexually Explicit Media Exposure, Sexual Violence Victimization, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men with New Drug Abuse in Jinan, China

Abstract

Abuse of new drugs, such as Rush poppers, methamphetamine, Magu, Ketamine, and Ecstasy, is common among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, leading to increased risks of sexually explicit media consumption, sexual violence, and sexual risk behaviors. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and relationships of these behaviors among MSM with new drug abuse. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2021, involving 453 MSM in Jinan, China. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing behaviors over the past six months. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to investigate the correlations among the three behaviors. Results showed that 88.7% consumed sexually explicit media, and 48.3% experienced sexual violence. Regarding sexual risk behaviors, the prevalence rates for group sex, condomless anal intercourse, and commercial sex were 29.1%, 76.4%, and 11.0%, respectively. New drug abuse was positively correlated with sexual violence victimization (b = 0.38 for methamphetamine; b = 0.50 for Magu), media consumption (b = 1.58 for methamphetamine), and sexual risk behaviors (b = 0.94 for methamphetamine; b = 0.72 for Magu). The age at first exposure to sexually explicit media was negatively correlated with sexual violence victimization (b = − 0.09) and sexual risk behaviors (b = − 0.30). Preferences for violence in media were linked to higher sexual violence risk (b = 0.76), and preferences for condomless anal intercourse and group sex to higher sexual risk behaviors (b = 1.04; b = 0.83). Significant positive correlations were found among sexual violence victimization, media consumption, and sexual risk behaviors (r = 0.22–0.82, p < 0.05). These findings provide insights for future interventions to prevent HIV transmission among MSM with new drug.