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Fiorentino M, Coulibaly B, Couderc C, Keita BD, Anoma C, Dah E, Mensah E, Aka TN, Touré JR, Camara D, Kokouba AR, Maradan G, Mora M, Bourrelly M, Riegel L, Rojas-Castro D, Spire B, Laurent C, Sagaon-Teyssier L. Men Who Have Sex with Both Men and Women in West Africa: Factors Associated with a High Behavioral Risk of Acquiring HIV from Male Partners and Transmission to Women (CohMSM ANRS 12324-Expertise France). ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:757-769. [PMID: 37973698 PMCID: PMC10844348 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02715-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
HIV is highly prevalent in men who have sex with men (MSM) in West Africa. Many MSM in the region also have sex with women (MSMW). Accordingly, they are a potential bridge subpopulation for HIV transmission to women. We aimed to evaluate the proportions and characteristics of West African MSMW at high behavioral risk of acquiring HIV from male partners and transmitting it to female partners (HBRMF). The cohort ANRS-12324 CohMSM Study included 630 HIV-negative MSM in Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. Among MSMW (i.e., with ≥ 1 female partner) in the cohort, HBRMF was identified using trajectory models based on seven at-risk sexual practices with male and female partners, including inconsistent condom use, multiple partnerships, and receptive same-sex anal intercourse. To assess the relevance of using trajectory models, we compared the proportions of participants who seroconverted during the cohort follow-up among those at HBRMF and those not at HBRMF. Factors associated with HBRMF were identified using a generalized estimation equation logistic regression model accounting for longitudinal data. Approximately half (47%) of the 304 MSMW (22% of all CohMSM study participants) were at HBRMF. This group accounted for 75% of the 28 HIV seroconversions observed during follow-up (p = 0.001). HBRMF was positively associated with being aged < 25 years (aOR 95% CI 1.67 [1.23-2.27]), being sexually attracted only to men (1.97 [1.38-2.78]), feelings of loneliness (1.92 [1.38-2.65]), and homonegative violence score (1.22 [1.05-1.41]). HBRMF was negatively associated with having had both stable and casual female partners in the previous 6 months (0.34 [0.20-0.60] vs. only a stable female partner). HBRMF tended to be negatively associated with having ≥ 4 sexual intercourses with female partners in the previous four weeks (0.54 [0.27-1.06] vs. no intercourse). Establishing official relationships with women might be a strategy for young and/or stigmatized MSMW to comply with social pressure to display a heterosexual lifestyle. However, this seems to increase the risk of HIV transmission to female partners. In the present study, almost half of MSMW were at HBRMF. This result stresses the need to adapt HIV research and prevention to MSMW and their female partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Fiorentino
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France.
| | - Bakary Coulibaly
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Centre Intégré de Recherche, de Soins et d'Action Communautaire, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Bintou Dembélé Keita
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Centre Intégré de Recherche, de Soins et d'Action Communautaire, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | - Drissa Camara
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Centre Intégré de Recherche, de Soins et d'Action Communautaire, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Gwenaëlle Maradan
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
- Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Marion Mora
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
| | - Michel Bourrelly
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
| | - Lucas Riegel
- Coalition PLUS, Laboratoire de recherche communautaire, Pantin, France
| | - Daniela Rojas-Castro
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
- Coalition PLUS, Laboratoire de recherche communautaire, Pantin, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
| | | | - Luis Sagaon-Teyssier
- IRD, Inserm, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de la Santé and Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, 13385, France
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Centre Intégré de Recherche, de Soins et d'Action Communautaire, Bamako, Mali
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Kra AK, Fotso AS, N’guessan KN, Geoffroy O, Younoussa S, Kabemba OK, Gueye PA, Ndeye PD, Rouveau N, Boily MC, Silhol R, d’Elbée M, Maheu-Giroux M, Vautier A, Larmarange J. Can HIV self-testing reach first-time testers? A telephone survey among self-test end users in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 22:972. [PMID: 37749490 PMCID: PMC10518917 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08626-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coverage of HIV testing remains sub-optimal in West Africa. Between 2019 and 2022, the ATLAS program distributed ~400 000 oral HIV self-tests (HIVST) in Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal, prioritising female sex workers (FSW) and men having sex with men (MSM), and relying on secondary redistribution of HIVST to partners, peers and clients to reach individuals not tested through conventional testing. This study assesses the proportion of first-time testers among HIVST users and the associated factors. METHODS A phone-based survey was implemented among HIVST users recruited using dedicated leaflets inviting them to anonymously call a free phone number. We collected socio-demographics, sexual behaviours, HIV testing history, HIVST use, and satisfaction with HIVST. We reported the proportion of first-time testers and computed associated factors using logistic regression. RESULTS Between March and June 2021, 2 615 participants were recruited for 50 940 distributed HIVST (participation rate: 5.1%). Among participants, 30% received their HIVST kit through secondary distribution (from a friend, sexual partner, family member, or colleague). The proportion who had never tested for HIV before HIVST (first-time testers) was 41%. The main factors associated with being a first-time tester were sex, age group, education level, condom use, and secondary distribution. A higher proportion was observed among those aged 24 years or less (55% vs 32% for 25-34, aOR: 0.37 [95%CI: 0.30-0.44], and 26% for 35 years or more, aOR: 0.28 [0.21-0.37]); those less educated (48% for none/primary education vs 45% for secondary education, aOR: 0.60 [0.47-0.77], and 29% for higher education, aOR: 0.33 [0.25-0.44]). A lower proportion was observed among women (37% vs 43%, aOR: 0.49 [0.40-0.60]); those reporting always using a condom over the last year (36% vs 51% for those reporting never using them, aOR: 2.02 [1.59-2.56]); and those who received their HISVST kit through primary distribution (39% vs 46% for secondary distribution, aOR: 1.32 [1.08-1.60]). CONCLUSION ATLAS HIVST strategy, including secondary distribution, successfully reached a significant proportion of first-time testers. HIVST has the potential to reach underserved populations and contribute to the expansion of HIV testing services in West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsène Kouassi Kra
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Arlette Simo Fotso
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Paris, France
- Institut National d’Etudes Démographiques (INED), Aubervilliers, France
| | | | - Olivier Geoffroy
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé (Solthis), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Sidibé Younoussa
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé (Solthis), Bamako, Mali
| | - Odé Kanku Kabemba
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé (Solthis), Bamako, Mali
| | - Papa Alioune Gueye
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé (Solthis), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Pauline Dama Ndeye
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé (Solthis), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Nicolas Rouveau
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Claude Boily
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Romain Silhol
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marc d’Elbée
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A2 Canada
| | - Anthony Vautier
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé (Solthis), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Joseph Larmarange
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - on behalf of the ATLAS team
- Centre Population et Développement (Ceped), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université Paris Cité, Inserm, Paris, France
- Institut National d’Etudes Démographiques (INED), Aubervilliers, France
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé (Solthis), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé (Solthis), Bamako, Mali
- Solidarité Thérapeutique et Initiatives pour la Santé (Solthis), Dakar, Sénégal
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research UMR 1219, Research Institute for Sustainable Development EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A2 Canada
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Torres RMC, Bastos LS, Gomes MFDC, Moreira RI, Périssé ARS, Cruz MMD. Risk assessment for HIV infection in men who have sex with men and the contribution of sexual partner networks. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2021; 26:3543-3554. [PMID: 34468650 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232021269.2.36912019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the risk of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) by developing an index that considers sex partner networks. The index variables were age, ethnicity/skin color, schooling, relationship type, condom use in receptive and insertive relationships, self-perception of the possibility of HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections, and rapid HIV testing results. We used data from a cross-sectional MSM egocentric network survey conducted in Rio de Janeiro between 2014 and 2015. The initial research volunteer is called ego, each partner is called alter, and each pair of people in a relationship is called the dyad. Multiple logistic regression was used to define the coefficients of the equations for the elaboration of the indices. The index ranged from 0 to 1; the closer to 1, the higher the risk of HIV infection. HIV prevalence was 13.9% among egos. The mean egos index with an HIV-reactive test was 57% higher than non-reactive, and the same profile was observed in the index values of dyads. The index allowed the incorporation of network data through the dyads and contributed to the identification of individuals with a higher likelihood of acquiring HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Maria Cardoso Torres
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fiocruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões, 1480, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Leonardo Soares Bastos
- Programa de Computação Científica, Fiocruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.,Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. London United Kingdom
| | | | | | - André Reynaldo Santos Périssé
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Fiocruz. Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil
| | - Marly Marques da Cruz
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Departamento de Endemias Samuel Pessoa, Fiocruz. Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil
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Abstract
Four of the largest HIV prevention trials have been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, enrolling hundreds of thousands of participants in catchment areas of millions of people. The trials have focused on community-level interventions to increase diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to improve health and reduce HIV transmission. Universal test-and-treat strategies are deployed to achieve viral suppression thereby reducing risk to uninfected persons, known as treatment as prevention (TasP).
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Stannah J, Dale E, Elmes J, Staunton R, Beyrer C, Mitchell KM, Boily MC. HIV testing and engagement with the HIV treatment cascade among men who have sex with men in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet HIV 2019; 6:e769-e787. [PMID: 31601542 PMCID: PMC6993044 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(19)30239-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disproportionately affects gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Africa, where many countries criminalise same-sex behaviour. We assessed changes in the engagement of African MSM with HIV testing and treatment cascade stages over time, and the effect of anti-LGBT legislation and stigma. METHODS We systematically searched Embase, Global Health, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed cross-sectional or longitudinal studies recruiting at least ten MSM, published from Jan 1, 1980, to Oct 10, 2018. We extracted or derived estimates of HIV testing, engagement with the HIV treatment cascade, or both among African MSM from published reports. We derived pooled estimates using inverse-variance random-effects models. We used subgroup and meta-regression analysis to assess associations between testing and status awareness outcomes and study and participant characteristics, including the severity of country-level anti-LGBT legislation. FINDINGS Our searches identified 75 independent eligible studies that provided estimates for 44 993 MSM across one or more of five testing and treatment cascade outcomes. HIV testing increased significantly over time overall, with pooled proportions of MSM ever tested for HIV of 67·3% (95% CI 62·1-72·3; 44 estimates) and tested in the past 12 months of 50·1% (42·4-57·8, 31 estimates) after 2011, which were 14·8 percentage points and 17·9 percentage points higher than before 2011, respectively. After 2011, ever testing was highest in southern Africa (80·0%), and lowest in northern Africa (34·4%), with the greatest increase in western Africa (from 42·4% to 70·9%). Levels of testing ever, in the past 12 months, and status awareness were statistically significantly lower in countries with the most severe anti-LGBT legislation compared with countries with the least severe legislation (57·4% vs 71·6%, p=0·0056; 35·5% vs 49·3%, p=0·010; 6·7% vs 22·0%, p=0·0050). Few estimates were available for later stages of the treatment cascade. Available data after 2011 suggest that the pooled proportion of MSM HIV-positive aware has remained low (18·5%, 12·5-25·3; 28 estimates), whereas proportions of current antiretroviral therapy (ART) use were 23·7% (15·5-33·0; 13 estimates) among all MSM living with HIV and 60·1% (48·6-71·1; five estimates) among MSM HIV-positive aware of their status. Pooled levels of viral suppression among MSM currently on ART were 75·6% (64·4-85·5; four estimates), but only 24·7% (18·8-31·2; four estimates) among all MSM living with HIV. INTERPRETATION Despite improvements in HIV testing among MSM in Africa, HIV status awareness, ART coverage, and viral suppression remain much lower than required to achieve UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. Further studies are urgently needed to provide more accurate estimates of levels of status awareness, engagement in care, ART coverage, and viral suppression among MSM to inform prevention efforts aimed at improving access to HIV services for MSM. Severe anti-LGBT legislation might be associated with lower HIV testing and status awareness; therefore, further research is needed to assess the effect of such legislation on HIV testing and engagement with the HIV treatment cascade among MSM. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health, UK Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Stannah
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Dale
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jocelyn Elmes
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Roisin Staunton
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Chris Beyrer
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MA, USA
| | - Kate M Mitchell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK; HIV Prevention Trials Network Modelling Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Marie-Claude Boily
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK; HIV Prevention Trials Network Modelling Centre, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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Sandfort TGM, Dominguez K, Kayange N, Ogendo A, Panchia R, Chen YQ, Chege W, Cummings V, Guo X, Hamilton EL, Stirratt M, Eshleman SH. HIV testing and the HIV care continuum among sub-Saharan African men who have sex with men and transgender women screened for participation in HPTN 075. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217501. [PMID: 31150447 PMCID: PMC6544251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout the world, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for HIV infection compared to heterosexual men. Little is known about awareness of HIV infection and other gaps in the HIV care continuum for MSM, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This information is urgently needed to address the HIV epidemic in this population. This study assessed gaps in the HIV care continuum among persons screened for participation in a multi-country prospective study that evaluated the feasibility of recruiting and retaining MSM for HIV prevention studies in SSA (HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 075, conducted in four cities in Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa). Participants were recruited using site-specific strategies, that included outreach and informal networks. Transgender women (TW) were eligible to participate. During screening, 601 MSM and TW were tested for HIV infection and asked about prior HIV testing, HIV status, engagement in care, and HIV treatment. Viral load testing and retrospective antiretroviral (ARV) drug testing were performed for HIV-infected participants. Most participants (92.2%) had a prior HIV test; 42.1% were last tested >6 months earlier. HIV prevalence was 30.4%. HIV infection was associated with older age and identifying as female or transgender; 43.7% of the HIV-infected participants were newly diagnosed, especially younger persons and persons with a less recent HIV test. Almost a third of previously-diagnosed participants were not linked to care. Most participants (88.7%) in care were on ARV treatment (ART). Only about one-quarter of all HIV-infected participants were virally suppressed. These findings demonstrate substantial prevalence of undiagnosed HIV infection and sub-optimal HIV care engagement among MSM and TW in SSA. Increased HIV testing frequency and better linkage to care represent critical steps in preventing further HIV transmission in this population. Once in care, gaps in the HIV care continuum appear less critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theo G. M. Sandfort
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Karen Dominguez
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, UCT Medical School, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Noel Kayange
- Johns Hopkins Medical College, Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Arthur Ogendo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) CDC, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ravindre Panchia
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Univ. of the Witwatersrand, Soweto HPTN CRS, Soweto, South Africa
| | - Ying Q. Chen
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, United States of America
| | - Wairimu Chege
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda MD, United States of America
| | - Vanessa Cummings
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Xu Guo
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle WA, United States of America
| | - Erica L. Hamilton
- Science Facilitation Department, FHI, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Michael Stirratt
- National Institute of Mental Health, Division of AIDS Research, Bethesda MD, United States of America
| | - Susan H. Eshleman
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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An urgent need for HIV testing among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Bamako, Mali: Low awareness of HIV infection and viral suppression among those living with HIV. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207363. [PMID: 30419065 PMCID: PMC6231666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), there are limited data on progress on their respective HIV antiretroviral treatment (ART) cascades to identify progress and gaps in meeting UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. We conducted a respondent-driven sampling survey of MSM and TGW in Bamako, Mali from October 2014 to February 2015. We describe the HIV treatment cascade for MSM and TGW, identify correlates of being unaware of HIV-infected status and having unsuppressed viral load levels, and estimate proportion of recent infections. We enrolled 387 MSM and 165 TGW. HIV prevalence was 13.7%. Of those living with HIV, 10.4% were aware of their serostatus, 61.2% of them self-reported being on treatment, and of them, 100% were virally suppressed. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with being unaware of HIV infection included not using free condoms in the last six months (aOR: 5.7, 95% CI: 1.1–29.5) and not having comprehensive knowledge of HIV (aOR: 6.5, 95% CI: 1.4–29.9). Having unsuppressed viral load was associated with identifying as a transgender woman (aOR: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.1–20.7) and not having comprehensive knowledge of HIV (aOR: 6.5, 95% CI: 1.0–40.9). Of the 79 HIV-positive participants, 5.1% had recent infections. While the proportion aware of their HIV status was low despite adjusting for viral load biomarkers, all MSM and TGW on treatment were virally suppressed. Improved testing strategies are urgently needed to achieve the first 90 of the HIV cascade among MSM and TGW in Bamako.
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