OBJECTIVETo explore the associated factors on loss to follow-up among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a prospective cohort study.

METHODSWe recruited eligible HIV-negative MSM at baseline in eight cities from June to October 2009. Interviewer-administrated questionnaire and blood testings for HIV, syphilis and human simplex virus type 2, were accomplished upon enrollment, 6-month and 12-month follow-up visits in the program. Loss to follow-up was recorded at each visit in this cohort. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were conducted to examine the associated factors on loss to follow-up.

RESULTSA total of 3196 eligible MSM were enrolled at the baseline study. During one year of follow-up, 894 (28.0%) of them dropped out thoroughly while 2302 (72.1%) showed up at least on one visit. Factors as MSM who were at age 25 or younger, resided locally less than 1 year, being unemployed, self-recognized as heterosexuality or bisexuality, never taking HIV testing in the past year, having had sex with women in the past 6 months etc., were more likely to withdraw from the follow-up visits. Conclusion Age, length of residency, sex orientation and history of HIV testing were associated with the loss of follow-up among MSM cohort in our study. These factors should be considered in this kind of study design in the future.

Adult ; Bisexuality ; Cohort Studies ; Follow-Up Studies ; Homosexuality, Male ; Humans ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Sexual Behavior

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to characterize the epidemiologic and clinical features of outbreak of syphilis among HIV sero-positive patients in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case review of patients diagnosed with primary and secondary syphilis from July 1999 to September 2003 was carried out at Seoul National University Hospital in Korea. To estimate the incidence, person-years (PYs) of all HIV sero-positive patients, who visited the hospital in the same period, were calculated every 6 months. RESULTS: In a 51 month period, 465 HIV-positive patients were followed up at Seoul National University Hospital. 38 cases of primary and secondary syphilis were diagnosed. The incidence of primary and secondary syphilis was 4.1 per 100 PYs during the study period. There was no case from July 1999 to December 2001, and then the incidence rose until September 2003 from 5.5 per 100 PYs in 1999 to 18.8 per 100 PYs in 2003. The rate of primary and secondary syphilis was 4.3 times higher among homosexual and bisexual men than heterosexual men (95% CI 1.87 to 11.17), and 10.9 times higher among patients who did not receive HAART than patients who were receiving HAART (95% CI 5.47 to 21.79). CONCLUSION: The outbreak of primary and secondary syphilis among HIV-positive patients started in 2002 and has been escalating, especially among homosexual/bisexual men and in patients who did not receive HAART.
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; Bisexuality ; Heterosexuality ; HIV* ; Homosexuality ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea* ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Seoul ; Syphilis*

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to characterize the epidemiologic and clinical features of outbreak of syphilis among HIV sero-positive patients in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case review of patients diagnosed with primary and secondary syphilis from July 1999 to September 2003 was carried out at Seoul National University Hospital in Korea. To estimate the incidence, person-years (PYs) of all HIV sero-positive patients, who visited the hospital in the same period, were calculated every 6 months. RESULTS: In a 51 month period, 465 HIV-positive patients were followed up at Seoul National University Hospital. 38 cases of primary and secondary syphilis were diagnosed. The incidence of primary and secondary syphilis was 4.1 per 100 PYs during the study period. There was no case from July 1999 to December 2001, and then the incidence rose until September 2003 from 5.5 per 100 PYs in 1999 to 18.8 per 100 PYs in 2003. The rate of primary and secondary syphilis was 4.3 times higher among homosexual and bisexual men than heterosexual men (95% CI 1.87 to 11.17), and 10.9 times higher among patients who did not receive HAART than patients who were receiving HAART (95% CI 5.47 to 21.79). CONCLUSION: The outbreak of primary and secondary syphilis among HIV-positive patients started in 2002 and has been escalating, especially among homosexual/bisexual men and in patients who did not receive HAART.
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; Bisexuality ; Heterosexuality ; HIV* ; Homosexuality ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea* ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Seoul ; Syphilis*

PURPOSE: This investigation was carried out to understand how various gender role identity in adolescence affect sexual intercourse. In addition, it was done to support and encourage gender role identity which can protect themselves from physical, psychological, social sexuality. METHOD: From 2003 7.1 to 7.19, questionnaire made by Lee BS(2002) was distributed to 1172 girl high school students in Seoul. Its reliability was as high as 0.80 and it was analysed by SPSS. RESULT: In the 3 kinds of gender role identity, girls who had sexual relations showed higher feminity and masculinity and did not show any difference in social desirability. in the 4 kinds of gender role identity, girls with sexual experience showed higher frequency in oder of androgyny and undifferentiated. In 8kinds, bisexuality was higher and girls with experience showed undifferentiated of low social desirability. There were no difference between the gender role identity and the age of the first sexual experience. The factors that affected gender role identity were school, grade, economic standard and whether they have a girlfriend or boyfriend. CONCLUSION: Programs that focus on problem solving of sexual education for androgyny of sexually high experienced and undifferentiated of low social desirability, should be provided.
Adolescent ; Bisexuality ; Coitus* ; Education ; Female ; Gender Identity* ; Humans ; Masculinity ; Problem Solving ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Seoul ; Sexuality ; Social Desirability

We report a case of a tick bite by Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann. The tick was found on the left knee of a 75-year-old male and captured alive. We observed its process of laying eggs and becoming larvae after human blood sucking. Our data include the size and weight of the female tick (8.2 X 6.2mm, 138mg) after blood sucking, preoviposition period(4 day), oviposition period(21 day), number of eggs(1486) and size of unfed larva(0.40-0.44 x 0.58-0.60 mm). It had a 2n number of 22 chromosomes which showed chromosomal pattern of bisexual clones but its life cycle, especially oviposition to hatching period, showed that of pathenogenetic clones. This is the first Korean report of a tick bite by Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann and the laboratory observation of the causative tick laying eggs and becoming larvae.
Aged ; Bisexuality ; Clone Cells ; Eggs ; Female ; Humans ; Knee ; Larva ; Life Cycle Stages ; Male ; Oviposition ; Ovum ; Tick Bites* ; Ticks*

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the degree of behavioral and psychic masculinization as well as factors influencing the masculinization in female patients with CAH caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency. METHODS: We studied 26 patients with salt-wasting (SW) type, 29 patients with simple virilizing (SV) type and 30 control patients, who were older than 10 years of age. Study participants were given a questionnaire containing 55 items (20 masculine items, 20 feminine items, 15 neutral items) in order to evaluate the degree of feminity and masculinity. RESULTS: SW and SV girls revealed significantly higher masculine scores and lower feminine scores than the control groups (P<0.05). Feminine scores were lower in the SW group compared to those in the SV group (P<0.05). Neutral scores showed no significant difference among three groups. Masculine, feminine, bisexual and undifferentiated personality characteristics exhibit 57.6%, 3.8%, 7.6%, and 30.7% in SW group, respectively; 31%, 17.2%, 20.6%, and 30%, respectively in SV group; 3.3%, 50.0%, 20.0% and 26.6%, respectively in control group. Masculine scores were negatively correlated with age at diagnosis and treatment (r=-0.516, P<0.05), but not with the levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone at the time of diagnosis and study, advancement of bone age, age at clitoplasty, age at onset of puberty and age at menarche. CONCLUSIONS: Female patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, who reveal high masculinizing score, should be closely monitored for the adverse effects of high degree of masculinization, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Additionally, it is important to treat adequately after early diagnosis to minimize the degree of masculinization and to develop the prenatal mode of treatment to interrupt the secretion of adrenal androgen.
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone ; Adolescent ; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital* ; Bisexuality ; Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Female* ; Humans ; Masculinity ; Menarche ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; Puberty ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Steroid 21-Hydroxylase*

In order to investigate psychological and behavioral characteristics homosexuals and to present evidence that homosexuals are in danger of HIV infection in Korea, this study was done by self-administered questionnaire and then direct interview with the 28(35%) HIV infected homosexual/bisexuals of 79 HIV infected persons reported in 1992. Homosexuals without heterosexual activity were 9 and the others were bisexuals. Sixty-five percent of respondents had a guilty conscience for their homosexual activity. Twenty(71%) were in twenties and 5(18%) in thirties. Twelve(43%) were detected via health card checking by health office, 21% by blood donation, 18% by hospital visit, and 7% by partner notification. Motivations for homosexual activity were curiosity(36%), temptation or recommendation(14%) and compulsion(11%). Eighteen(72%) never used condom on anal sex. Nine of 26 respondents had experience for anal sex with foreigners. Fourteen(54%) of 26 respondents had history for sexually transmitted diseases. Fightly percent did not have sexual contact after HIV infection and the others usually used condom. It was confirmed that over 57% of the respondents were infected within 1 year before HIV diagnosis and over 82% within 2 years. These data suggest that HIV infection among homosexual group is rapidly spreading.
Bisexuality ; Blood Donors ; Condoms ; Conscience ; Contact Tracing ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Diagnosis ; Emigrants and Immigrants ; Heterosexuality ; HIV Infections ; HIV* ; Homosexuality* ; Humans ; Korea ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sexual Behavior ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases

OBJECTIVETo investigate gay identity status of men who have sex with men(MSM) in Xinjiang, and analyze its association with sexual behaviors.

METHODSFrom May to August in 2013, an anonymous questionnaire survey with convenience sampling was conducted among MSM in Urumqi, Kashgar, Aksu and Yining cities of Xinjiang. Those who were ≥ 16 years of age and claimed to have male-to-male sex behaviors were eligible for the survey. A total of 1 467 participants were recruited. Chi square analysis was performed for examining the association between ego-identity, social-identity and relevant sexual behaviors. Selected variables associated with ego-identity, social-identity in the univariate analysis were subsequently assessed in a multivariate analysis using logistic regression.

RESULTSThe MSM with positive ego-identity accounted for 44.7% (656/1 467), and positive social-identity accounted for 29.1% (427/1 467). For ego-identity, Uyghur MSM were less positive than Han MSM (OR (95%CI) was 0.43 (0.32-0.58) ) ; those who were over 20 years of age when accepting their sexual orientation were less positive than those who were younger than 20 years of age when accepting their sexual orientation (OR (95%CI) was 0.61 (0.47-0.80) );and homosexuals were more positive than bisexuals (OR (95%CI) was 1.98 (1.50-2.61) ). For social-identity, Hui MSM were less positive than Han MSM (OR (95%CI) was 0.61 (0.42-0.88) ); those whose education level was higher than college were less positive than those with junior high education (OR (95%CI) was 0.60 (0.40-0.89) ); famers/herdsmen were more positive than students (OR (95%CI) was 4.17 (2.13-8.17) ); the divorced/widowed were more positive than the singles (OR (95%CI) was 2.40 (1.34-4.29) ); those who were over 20 years of age when accepting their sexual orientation were less positive than those who were younger than 20 years of age when accepting their sexual orientation (OR (95%CI) was 0.59 (0.44-0.81) ). Among the MSM with negative ego-identity and negative social-identity, the proportion of planning to get married with women was 66.8% (267/400) and 76.5% (306/400), respectively, which were higher than those with positive ego-identity (33.2% (133/400)) and positive social-identity (23.5% (94/400)) ; their proportion of intending to have offspring was 62.0% (287/463) and 73.4% (340/463), respectively, which were higher than those with positive ego-identity and social-identity (38.0% (176/463), 26.6% (123/463)) (χ(2) = 39.61 and 7.90, respectively, both P values were <0.05). Among the MSM with negative social-identity, the proportion of looking for male sexual partners in toilets or parks was 18.1% (188/1 040), in bathhouse or sauna was 17.3% (180/1 040), and through internet was 82.0% (853/1 040), which were higher than those with positive social-identity (8.9% (38/427), 9.8% (42/427) and 61.6% (263/427)) (χ(2) = 66.78, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONIn 2013, the gay identity of MSM in Xinjiang was relatively poor, and the factors associated with it included ethnicity, occupation, marital status and education level. The MSM with negative identity tended to involve in risk sexual behaviors, and had increased risk of HIV infection.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bisexuality ; China ; Data Collection ; Demography ; Female ; HIV Infections ; Homosexuality, Male ; Humans ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Risk-Taking ; Self Concept ; Sexual Behavior ; Sexual Partners ; Social Identification ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Bisexuality ; psychology ; Female ; HIV Infections ; prevention & control ; Health Promotion ; Homosexuality, Female ; psychology ; Homosexuality, Male ; psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Risk Reduction Behavior ; Singapore ; Transgender Persons ; psychology

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Global efforts to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and strengthen treatment programs have reduced the annual incidence of HIV infection. However, the incidence recently increased unexpectedly in Korea. Therefore, to understand the cause of the increase in HIV infection incidence in Korea, it is important to identify the mode of HIV transmission. METHODS: We included HIV-infected individuals enrolled in the Korea HIV/AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) Cohort from December 2006 to January 2018. The subjects were older than 18 years and were receiving care at 21 participating hospitals. They were interviewed by their physician at enrollment, and an epidemiological survey was conducted using a standardized questionnaire provided by a professional counseling nurse. RESULTS: There were 1,474 subjects: 1,377 men and 97 women. Their mean age was 41.4 ± 12.6 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 14.2. The transmission modes were as follows: homosexual and bisexual contacts in 885 (60.1%), heterosexual contacts in 508 (34.6%), blood transfusion and blood products in 5 (0.3%), and injected drug use in 1 (0.0%). Regarding age, the proportion infected by homosexual and bisexual contacts was higher in the younger age groups: 71.5% in subjects aged 18-29 years. When this age group was further subdivided, 92.9% of those aged 18–19 years were determined to be infected via homosexual and bisexual contacts. CONCLUSIONS: In Korea, HIV is transmitted predominantly via homosexual and bisexual contacts, which is more common among younger age groups and the cause of infections in most teenagers.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; Adolescent ; Bisexuality ; Blood Transfusion ; Cohort Studies* ; Counseling ; Disease Transmission, Infectious ; Female ; Heterosexuality ; HIV Infections ; HIV* ; Homosexuality ; Humans* ; Incidence ; Korea* ; Male