Trends in HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men in China 2003–09: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background The year-by-year trend of HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China is not well documented. Methods: Published studies on HIV prevalence among MSM in China were reviewed and grouped by year, region and age group. Meta-analysis was used to summarise the estimates of national and regional HIV prevalence rates and trends among MSM from 2003 to 2009. HIV prevalence among MSM in different age groups (<25 years old v. ≥25 years old) was also calculated. Results: Eighty-three publications were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled HIV prevalence among MSM in China increased from 0.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.0–2.1%) in 2003 to 7.4% (95% CI: 5.7–9.2%) in 2009. A yearly increase of 1.1% (95% CI: 0.5–1.5%, P < 0.001) in HIV prevalence was detected. The pooled regional HIV prevalence among MSM ranged from 2.3% (95% CI: 1.7–2.9%) in east China to 11.4% (95% CI: 9.2–13.6%) in south-west China. No difference was detected (χ2 = 0.5160, P = 0.4726) between HIV prevalence in the <25-year-old age group (3.1%, 95% CI: 1.6–4.6%) and that in the ≥25-year-old age group (4.0%, 95% CI: 1.8–6.3%). Conclusion: The HIV prevalence among MSM in China is high and climbing. Effective strategies are required to prevent the epidemic from continuing to spread.