Unveiling the dynamics of HIV transmission among young homosexual and bisexual men in Korea
Abstract Background Despite the relatively low prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Korea, the incidence of HIV is steadily increasing, centering on same-sex sexual contact among men in their 20s and 30s. However, in Korean society, where acceptance of homosexuality is low, LGBTQ + research is lacking and ther...
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BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21751-2 |
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| author | Minsoo Jung |
| author_facet | Minsoo Jung |
| author_sort | Minsoo Jung |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Despite the relatively low prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Korea, the incidence of HIV is steadily increasing, centering on same-sex sexual contact among men in their 20s and 30s. However, in Korean society, where acceptance of homosexuality is low, LGBTQ + research is lacking and there is little empirical data on HIV transmission. This study explored the context in which anal intercourse occurs among male sexual minorities in Korea. Methods Data were collected by conducting a web survey targeting paid members of Korea’s largest homosexuality portal site (n = 941). The dependent variable was whether anal intercourse was preferred, and the major independent variables were health behavior, health status, and sexual behavioral characteristics. Results Those who reported that their gender identity was homosexual tended to prefer anal sex more than those who reported that they were bisexual (Chi-square = 5.165, p <.05). For homosexuals that had more unprotected sex (OR = 1.538, 95% CI = 1.281–1.847), had a primary sex partner (OR = 1.943, 95% CI = 1.345–2.809), and had been diagnosed with an STD (OR = 2.978, 95% CI = 1.592–5.568), there was a high possibility of preferring anal intercourse. Bisexuals were more likely to prefer anal intercourse if they had unprotected sex (OR = 1.715, 95% CI = 1.322–2.225) or had a primary sex partner (OR = 1.927, 95% CI = 1.141–3.257). Conclusions This study found that young non-heterosexual men in South Korea are more likely to engage in condomless anal sex while living with HIV/STDs. As a result, primary partners are at higher risk of infection, and bisexual individuals are more likely to transmit HIV/STDs due to similar sexual contexts. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e5ac51412d024ffe95fa08983312bf67 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
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| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-e5ac51412d024ffe95fa08983312bf672025-08-20T03:13:15ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582025-02-0125111010.1186/s12889-025-21751-2Unveiling the dynamics of HIV transmission among young homosexual and bisexual men in KoreaMinsoo Jung0Department of Health Science, College of Natural Science, Dongduk Women’s UniversityAbstract Background Despite the relatively low prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Korea, the incidence of HIV is steadily increasing, centering on same-sex sexual contact among men in their 20s and 30s. However, in Korean society, where acceptance of homosexuality is low, LGBTQ + research is lacking and there is little empirical data on HIV transmission. This study explored the context in which anal intercourse occurs among male sexual minorities in Korea. Methods Data were collected by conducting a web survey targeting paid members of Korea’s largest homosexuality portal site (n = 941). The dependent variable was whether anal intercourse was preferred, and the major independent variables were health behavior, health status, and sexual behavioral characteristics. Results Those who reported that their gender identity was homosexual tended to prefer anal sex more than those who reported that they were bisexual (Chi-square = 5.165, p <.05). For homosexuals that had more unprotected sex (OR = 1.538, 95% CI = 1.281–1.847), had a primary sex partner (OR = 1.943, 95% CI = 1.345–2.809), and had been diagnosed with an STD (OR = 2.978, 95% CI = 1.592–5.568), there was a high possibility of preferring anal intercourse. Bisexuals were more likely to prefer anal intercourse if they had unprotected sex (OR = 1.715, 95% CI = 1.322–2.225) or had a primary sex partner (OR = 1.927, 95% CI = 1.141–3.257). Conclusions This study found that young non-heterosexual men in South Korea are more likely to engage in condomless anal sex while living with HIV/STDs. As a result, primary partners are at higher risk of infection, and bisexual individuals are more likely to transmit HIV/STDs due to similar sexual contexts.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21751-2HIVAnal intercourseHomosexual menBisexual menKorea |
| spellingShingle | Minsoo Jung Unveiling the dynamics of HIV transmission among young homosexual and bisexual men in Korea BMC Public Health HIV Anal intercourse Homosexual men Bisexual men Korea |
| title | Unveiling the dynamics of HIV transmission among young homosexual and bisexual men in Korea |
| title_full | Unveiling the dynamics of HIV transmission among young homosexual and bisexual men in Korea |
| title_fullStr | Unveiling the dynamics of HIV transmission among young homosexual and bisexual men in Korea |
| title_full_unstemmed | Unveiling the dynamics of HIV transmission among young homosexual and bisexual men in Korea |
| title_short | Unveiling the dynamics of HIV transmission among young homosexual and bisexual men in Korea |
| title_sort | unveiling the dynamics of hiv transmission among young homosexual and bisexual men in korea |
| topic | HIV Anal intercourse Homosexual men Bisexual men Korea |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21751-2 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT minsoojung unveilingthedynamicsofhivtransmissionamongyounghomosexualandbisexualmeninkorea |