Prevalence and sociocultural predictors of sexual dysfunction among Chinese men who have sex with men in Hong Kong.

INTRODUCTION: Limited data are available on sexual dysfunction (SD) in men who have sex with men (MSM) population.

AIMS: The study investigates the prevalence and associated sociocultural factors of SD in MSM.

METHODS: With an informed consent, 324 MSM respondents were interviewed by trained peer workers in certain gay venues, and another 87 MSM self-administered the same questionnaire via a gay website.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported pain during intercourse, premature ejaculation, anxiety about sex, erectile dysfunction, no pleasure from sex, no orgasm, and hypoactive sexual desire were evaluated.

RESULTS: Of all respondents, 42.5% had at least one of the seven studied SD for at least three consecutive months in the last 12 months (pain during sex, 13.8%; premature ejaculation, 10.4%; anxiety, 18.7%; erectile problems, 6.3%; no pleasure, 13.8%; no orgasm, 5.6%; hypoactive sexual desire, 8.3%), whereas 11.4% were dissatisfied with their sexual life. Except for erectile dysfunction, age had no significant effects on individual SD. The results of the multivariate analyses show that unemployment, venue of recruitment, substance use, number of HIV-related behaviors practiced, unprotected anal sex, self-perceived discrimination against MSM, self-identity of sexual orientation, experience of being discriminated because of one's MSM status, uneasy or shame feeling about one's sexual orientation/status, and the count variable of social support received regarding one's MSM status were associated with SD (multivariate OR=1.68-5.57), whereas having no or few MSM friends and exposure to HIV-related education were associated with lower chances of having some SD problems (multivariate OR=0.16-0.46). Only associations with P<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SD among MSM in Hong Kong is relatively high. SD in this group is associated with HIV-related behaviors as well as sociocultural factors related to social support and acceptance of one's MSM status. A more supportive environment is essential for the promotion of sexual health in MSM.