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Our objective was to identify missed opportunities for the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in people with recently acquired HIV, factors associated with PrEP knowledge, and reasons for not using PrEP.This was a French national cross-sectional multicentre study enrolling people diagnosed with recent HIV (incomplete Western blot or negative HIV test in the previous 6 months) in 28 HIV clinical centres. Data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire (SAQ).We analysed missed opportunities for PrEP use via a retrospective prep cascade. Factors associated with prior knowledge of PrEP and reasons for PrEP non-use among those who knew about PrEP were described using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.Of the 224 eligible patients, 185 completed the SAQ and 168 (91%) were eligible for PrEP. Of these, 90% reported seeing at least one physician during the previous year, 26% received information about PrEP, and 5% used PrEP. Factors independently associated with a higher probability of knowing about PrEP were being a man who has sex with men, being aged 25-30 years (vs older), undergoing HIV screening at least once every semester (vs less often; odds ratio [OR] 4.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.00-8.45), and practicing chemsex (OR 3.19; 95% CI 1.12-9.10). Fear of side effects and a low perceived risk of HIV infection were the two most common reasons for not using PrEP (N = 40 [33.33%] and N = 34 [28.3%], respectively).We found two gaps in the retrospective PrEP cascade: insufficient provision of PrEP information by healthcare providers (mainly general practitioners) and low PrEP acceptability by informed, eligible patients. More diverse healthcare providers need to be involved in PrEP prescription, and at-risk people need to be sensitized to the risk of HIV infection.

International audience; Background HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) data in men who have sex with men (MSM) in west Africa are essential to guide its large-scale implementation. We assessed the uptake of event-driven and daily PrEP, HIV incidence, and changes over time in sexual behaviours and prevalence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in MSM in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. Methods We did a prospective cohort study from Nov 20, 2017, to April 14, 2020, in four community-based clinics in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), Bamako (Mali), Lomé (Togo), and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Participants were MSM aged 18 years or older at substantial risk of HIV infection. Participants could choose between event-driven (2+1+1 dosing) and daily oral PrEP (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg plus emtricitabine 200 mg), switch regimen, and discontinue or restart PrEP. We compared HIV incidence in this study with that of the same cohort before the availability of PrEP (CohMSM). Statistical analysis included the Kaplan-Meier method and mixed-effects regression models. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03459157. Findings We followed up 598 participants for a total of 743•6 person-years. At enrolment, 445 (74%) of 598 participants chose event-driven PrEP and 153 (26%) of 598 chose daily PrEP. 60 (13%) of 445 and 65 (42%) of 153 partici pants switched PrEP regimen at least once (p

Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. We assessed (i) the prevalence of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection and associated factors, and (ii) the prevalence of vaccine-preventable HPV infections in MSM in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017–2018 among MSM ≥18 years old followed in community-based clinics. HPV infection was investigated in oral and anal samples using the e-BRID system. Factors associated with HR-HPV infection were identified using multivariate logistic regressions. Results Among 631 participants, 425 were HIV-negative and 206 HIV-positive. HR-HPV prevalence ranged from 9.2% to 34.8% in the former, and 33.3% to 71.0% in the latter, according to the study country. In multivariate analysis, HIV infection (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.48–5.27) and study country (4.73, 2.66–8.43 for Mali; 3.12, 1.68–5.80 for Burkina Faso; 3.51, 1.92–6.42 for Togo) were associated with HR-HPV infection. Other associated factors were low educational level, self-defined homosexual identity, and condomless anal sex. The prevalence of infections which can be prevented with bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent vaccines was 5.9, 27.1, and 34.6% in HIV-negative participants, and 18.9, 43.7, and 54.9% in HIV-positive participants, respectively. Conclusions HR-HPV prevalence was very heterogeneous between the study countries in both HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM. Vaccine-preventable HPV infections predominated. Vaccination should be proposed to young MSM to reduce the burden of HPV infection in this vulnerable population and their female partners in West Africa.

International audience; Understanding the dynamics of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) can help improve efficiency in existing prevention strategies. We aimed to identify and describe the sexual behaviors of MSM most at risk of HIV infection in West Africa. HIV-negative MSM were provided a quarterly preventive follow-up package in the community-based cohort CohMSM. They completed face-to-face sociobehavioral questionnaires every 6 months. This sub-study on 520 participants used a baseline, 6-, 12- and 18-month data cluster analysis to categorize two profiles (high risk [HRE] and moderate risk [MRE] of exposure to HIV) based on three risky sexual practices over the previous 6 months. HRE-MSM (61%) were more engaged in receptive practices, had a higher proportion of inconsistent condom use during anal sex, and reported more sexual partners than MRE-MSM (39%). The proportion of HIV seroconversions observed during the first 18 months of follow-up using sexual behavioral profiles (92% are HRE-MSM) was higher than using the three risky sexual practices separately. Factors associated with the HRE-MSM profile were being younger (18-21 years), reporting stigma, and having had no female partner while being attracted only to men. Our findings suggest that in order to identify MSM most at risk of HIV infection, several risky sexual practices need to be evaluated in a combined approach. Prevention programs should pay particular attention to younger MSM, and implement activities addressing questions of MSM identity and stigma in order to reduce the dynamic of HIV infection in Western African MSM.

Objectives Evidence comparing the economic and patient values of the World Health Organization’s preferred (dolutegravir 50 mg [DTG]-based) and alternative (low-dose [400 mg] efavirenz [EFV400]-based) first-line antiretroviral regimens is limited. We compared patient-reported outcomes (PROs), costs, and the cost-utility of DTG- versus EFV400-based regimens in treatment-naive HIV-1 adults in the randomised NAMSAL ANRS 12313 trial in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methods We used clinical data, PROs, and health resource use data collected in the trial’s first 96 weeks (2016–2019). Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were computed using utility scores obtained from the 12-item Short Form (SF-12) generic health scale. Other PROs included perceived symptoms, depression, anxiety, and stress. In the 96-week base-case analysis, we estimated the unadjusted and multivariate-adjusted (1) mean costs (in US$, 2016 values) and QALYs/patient, (2) incremental costs and QALYs/patient, and (3) net health benefit (NHB). Outcomes were extrapolated over 5 and 10 years. Uncertainty was assessed using the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve and scenario and cost-effective price threshold analyses. Results In the base-case analysis, the NHB (95% confidence interval) for the DTG-based regimen relative to the EFV400-based regimen was 0.056 (− 0.037 to 0.153), corresponding to an 88% probability of DTG being cost-effective. A 10% decrease in this regimen’s price (from $5.2 to $4.7/month) would increase its cost-effectiveness probability to 95%. When extrapolating outcomes over 5 and 10 years, the DTG-based regimen had a 100% probability of being cost-effective for a large range of cost-effectiveness thresholds. Conclusions At 2020 antiretroviral drug prices, a DTG-based first-line regimen should be preferred over an EFV400-based regimen in sub-Saharan Africa. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02777229. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40273-020-00987-3.

BACKGROUND: Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is uncommon, yet documented among men who have sex with men (MSM), primarily among those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: In the HIV Prevention Trials Network 078 study (HPTN 078), which assessed an integrated strategy to achieve HIV viral suppression, 1305 MSM were screened across 4 geographically diverse US cities. At screening, demographic/behavioral/psychosocial questionnaires were completed, along with HIV and HCV testing. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations with HCV antibody positivity. RESULTS: Among the 1287 (99%) of the MSM with HCV antibody results, the median age was 41, 69% were black, 85% had a high school education or more, 35% were employed, 70% had HIV, and 21% had undergone substance use counseling. The median lifetime number of male sexual partners was 17 (interquartile range, 6–50), and 246 (19%) were HCV antibody positive. HCV antibody positivity was high in MSM with HIV (20%) and MSM without HIV (17%) (P = .12) and was higher in those receiving substance use counseling (36%) than in those who had not (15%) (P ≤ .01). Substance use counseling (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.80–3.51) and unstable housing (2.16; 1.40–3.33) were associated with HCV antibody positivity. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 1 in 5 MSM screened for HPTN 078 have been infected with HCV. The prevalence is high regardless of HIV status and is high even in those who did not undergo substance use counseling. In HIV burden networks, high HCV infection prevalence may occur in MSM without HIV. As implementation of preexposure prophylaxis expands and condom use declines, routine HCV counseling and screening among MSM are important.

Increasing demand for antiretroviral treatment (ART) together with a reduction in international funding during the last decade may jeopardize access to ART. Using data from a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2014 in 19 HIV services in the Centre and Littoral regions in Cameroon, we investigated the role of healthcare supply-related factors in time to ART initiation in HIV-positive patients eligible for ART at HIV diagnosis. HIV service profiles were built using cluster analysis. Factors associated with time to ART initiation were identified using a multilevel Cox model. The study population included 847 HIV-positive patients (women 72%, median age: 39 years). Median (interquartile range) time to ART initiation was 1.6 (0.5–4.3) months. Four HIV service profiles were identified: (1) small services with a limited staff practising partial task-shifting (n = 4); (2) experienced and well-equipped services practising task-shifting and involving HIV community-based organizations (n = 5); (3) small services with limited resources and activities (n = 6); (4) small services providing a large range of activities using task-shifting and involving HIV community-based organizations (n = 4). The multivariable model showed that HIV-positive patients over 39 years old [hazard ratio: 1.26 (95% confidence interval) (1.09–1.45), P = 0.002], those with disease symptoms [1.21 (1.04–1.41), P = 0.015] and those with hepatitis B co-infection [2.31 (1.15–4.66), P = 0.019] were all more likely to initiate ART early. However, patients in the first profile were less likely to initiate ART early [0.80 (0.65–0.99), P = 0.049] than those in the second profile, as were patients in the third profile [association only significant at the 10% level; 0.86 (0.72–1.02), P = 0.090]. Our findings provide a better understanding of the role played by healthcare supply-related factors in ART initiation. In HIV services with limited capacity, task-shifting and support from community-based organizations may improve treatment access. Additional funding is required to relieve healthcare supply-related barriers and achieve the goal of universal ART access.

International audience; Objective: The study aimed to explore longitudinal interactions between homonegativity and sexual behaviors with female partners among HIV-negative West African men who have sex with men and women (MSMW).Design and method: The community-based cohort CohMSM ANRS 12324 - Expertise France enrolled MSM in Togo, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Mali. Sociobehavioral data were collected every 6 months. Using 30-month follow-up data, a multiprobit analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between psychosocial and behavioral variables ex-ante (t - 1) and ex-post (t).Results: MSMW (n = 326) accounted for half of all participants in CohMSM. They reported inconsistent condom use with women in 39% of visits. Perceived and internalized homonegativity at t - 1 tended to lead to sexual violence toward women at t (P < 0.1), which was associated with inconsistent condom use with them at t (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Given the high HIV prevalence in West African MSM, widespread condom-less sex with women in MSMW, and the aggravating effect of social and internalized homonegativity, more research in the MSMW subpopulation is needed to assess the risk of HIV bridging to women and to design support activities.

IntroductionTransgender identity is poorly accepted in France, and data on living conditions and the daily difficulties transgender people encounter are scarce. This lack of data reinforces their invisibility in social life, contributes to their stigmatisation and probably increases the burden of HIV infection, especially for HIV-positive transgender people (TRHIV). The main objective of the community-based research study ANRS Trans&HIV is to identify personal and social situations of vulnerability in TRHIV, the obstacles they encounter in terms of access to and retention in medical care, and their gender affirmation and HIV care needs.Methods and analysisANRS Trans&HIV is a national, comprehensive, cross-sectional survey of all TRHIV currently being followed in HIV care units in France. TRHIV women are exclusively included in the quantitative component, and TRHIV men in the qualitative component. Data are collected by community-based interviewers and will be analysed to explore patient care pathways and living conditions in the TRHIV population with regard to gender affirmation and HIV. Data collection began in October 2020 and should be completed in December 2021. The statistical analyses techniques used will be adapted to each of the study’s objectives and to the type of data collected (cross-sectional (questionnaires) and retrospective (biographical trajectory)). The study’s results will provide a greater understanding of TRHIV health needs in order to suggest possible national recommendations for comprehensive HIV and gender affirmation medical care.Ethics and disseminationANRS Trans&HIV was approved by Inserm’s Ethical Evaluation Committee (no 20-694 on 12 May 2020) and is registered with the National Commission on Informatics and Liberty under number 2518030720. Potential participants are informed about the study through an information note provided by their attending HIV physician. All results published in peer-reviewed journals will be disseminated to the HIV transgender community, institutional stakeholders and healthcare providers.Trial registration numberNCT04849767.

International audience; Background and objectives: In Mali, the non-governmental association (NGO) ARCAD Santé PLUS launched the CovidPrev program in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure continuity of HIV care-related activities. This study aimed to identify individual and structural factors associated with mental health disorders (MHD) in the NGO's healthcare workers (HCW) in the early stage of the outbreak.Methods: Data were collected between April 6 and 11, 2020 for 135 HCW in ARCAD Santé PLUS's 18 community-based HIV care centers. Outcomes corresponded to the PHQ-9, GAD-7 and ISI instruments for depression, anxiety and insomnia, respectively. A general mixture model with a negative binomial distribution was implemented.Results: Most HCW were men (60.7%) and median age was 40 years IQR[33-46]. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia were declared by 71.9, 73.3, and 77% participants, respectively. Women were at greater risk of MHD. A lack of personal protection equipment and human resources, especially nurses, was associated with a high risk of MHD.Conclusions: Health policy must place non-front line HCW, including those in NGOs, at the core of the healthcare system response to the COVID-19 outbreak, as they ensure continuity of care for many diseases including HIV. The efficacy of public health strategies depends on the capacity of HCW to fully with and competently perform their duties.

BackgroundThe widespread under-screening and under-treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD) contributes to its health and socioeconomic burden. We conducted a mixed-methods (qualitative and qualitative) study in people with alcohol use disorder (PWAUD) to explore their expectations, as well as barriers and levers to AUD care.MethodsIndividuals with AUDIT > 15 (N = 179) were interviewed using computer-assisted interviews in several medical and non-medical sites (e.g., bars) (quantitative substudy). We also conducted semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 36 PWAUD (qualitative substudy). Using logistic regression, we explored factors associated with having previously received/sought care for AUD. Three major themes were identified in the qualitative textual analysis using a descending hierarchical classification.ResultsNot socializing with heavy drinkers (AOR [95%CI]:3.84[1.66–8.85]), regular smoking (9.72[3.91–24.15]) and feeling discriminated against (2.35[1.10–5.05]) were independent levers to having sought/received care for AUD, while being aged ConclusionThese results underline the need for interventions targeting families and the social network to increase awareness about AUD and related care. Simplified and novel comprehensive care trajectories are urgently needed to reduce the clinical and public health burden of AUD.

International audience; Background: In West Africa, few HIV services target men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2015, the interventional cohort CohMSM started offering a community-based prevention package for MSM. Participants expressed interest in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and their eligibility was demonstrated. In 2017, PrEP was added to services already offered as part of a new program, CohMSM-PrEP, which recruited CohMSM participants and new participants. We aimed to determine whether the introduction of PrEP as an additional prevention tool influenced the type of participant signing up for CohMSM-PrEP.Methods: CohMSM-PrEP recruited HIV-negative MSM in community-based clinics in Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Togo. Quarterly follow-up included free clinical examinations, PrEP, HIV/sexually transmitted infection screening, peer education, condoms, and lubricants. Sociobehavioral data were collected every 3 months using face-to-face questionnaires. Our outcome was participant type: new participants vs CohMSM participants. Logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with being a new participant.Results: Of the 524 MSM included in CohMSM-PrEP, 41% were new participants. After adjustment, multivariate analysis showed they were more socioeconomically disadvantaged with financial insecurity, social isolation-including isolation within the MSM community-and riskier sexual practices.Conclusion: The introduction of PrEP as an additional prevention tool and the use of peer-based outreach services over time influenced the type of participant signing up for a community-based HIV prevention cohort in West Africa. Adding these elements to existing interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa could be the key to reaching MSM marginalized from HIV prevention and care programs.

ObjectivesWhether regular HIV testing and counselling reduce risky sexual behaviours in African men who have sex with men (MSM) is still a matter for debate. We aimed to identify behavioural trajectories based on HIV risk exposure (HRE) and factors affecting their evolution.MethodsData were collected from 621 HIV-negative West African MSM (Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Togo) included in a community-based cohort providing quarterly HIV testing and counselling. Sociobehavioural data were collected every 6 months. HRE was defined as reporting inconsistent condom use during receptive anal sex with male partners of unknown HIV status in the previous 6 months. Using 18-month follow-up data, group-based trajectory modelling helped identify behavioural trajectories and determine the factors associated with their evolution. HIV seroconversions (n=67) were specified in each group trajectory.ResultsTwo distinct group trajectories were identified: medium-risk exposure MSM (ME-MSM) (61%, 6.4% of whom having seroconverted) and high-risk exposure MSM (HE-MSM) (39%, 17.5% of whom having seroconverted). A significant declining trend in the probability of reporting HRE over time ((95% CI)) was observed for HE-MSM (from 0.59 (0.48 to 0.70) at M0 to 0.31 (0.22 to 0.41) at M18), while it remained constant for ME-MSM (0.034 (0.0 to 0.079)). This can be explained by a progressive use of risk reduction strategies (less receptive anal sex, better knowledge of their partners’ status and increasing condom use). Being younger, living in Burkina Faso, self-considering both a man and a woman and reporting a higher level of depression were all associated with HE membership. Among HE-MSM, HRE was higher in those practising transactional or group sex and those experiencing psychological harassment.ConclusionsQuarterly HIV testing and counselling seem to reduce risky sexual behaviours in HIV-negative MSM at greatest risk of infection. Specific support for young MSM, focusing on identity and mental health, is needed to strengthen HIV prevention in West African MSM.

International audience; Although the HIV epidemic is generalized in West Africa, some population groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM), especially those engaged in transactional sex (TS), are thought to be particularly more vulnerable to HIV than others. However, few data are available to help identify their health-related needs with a view to implementing targeted prevention interventions. To fill this knowledge gap, we aimed to characterize MSM reporting TS (MSM-TS) and to identify factors associated with their sexual practices using data from the prospective cohort study CohMSM, which was conducted in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Togo. Three stigmatization sub-scores were constructed (experienced, perceived and internalized). The generalized estimating equation method was used for data analysis. Of the total 630 HIV-negative MSM recruited in CohMSM, 463, 410 and 244 had a follow-up visit at 6, 12 and 18 months, respectively. In a total of 1747 follow-up visits, 478 TS encounters were reported by 289 MSM-TS (45.9%). Of the latter, 91 regularly reported TS (31.5%), 55 (19.0%) stopped reporting TS after baseline, and 53 (18.3%) reported TS after baseline and 90 (31.1%) occasionally reported TS. The following variables, regarding the previous 6 months, were positively associated with TS: being younger (aOR[95%CI]:1.86[1.39-2.50]), less educated (aOR[95%CI]:1.49[1.09-2.03]), unmarried status (aOR[95%CI]:1.79[1.10-2.93]), satisfaction with current sex life (aOR[95%CI]:1.41[1.06-1.88]), group sex with men (aOR[95%CI]:2.07[1.46-2.94]), multiple male sexual partners (aOR[95%CI]:1.85[1.40-2.44]), receptive or versatile anal sex with male partners (aOR [95%CI]:1.48[1.12-1.96]), giving benefits in exchange for sex with a man (aOR[95%CI]:2.80[1.97-3.98]), alcohol consumption (aOR[95%CI]:1.44[1.08-1.93]) and drug use (aOR[95%CI]:1.82[1.24-2.68]) during sex, and finally experiencing stigmatization (aOR [95%CI]:1.15[1.07-1.25]). Condom use during anal sex (aOR[95%CI]:0.73[0.53-0.99]) was negatively associated with TS.

Introduction L’epidemie du VIH reste active en France malgre les differentes actions mises en place parmi lesquelles l’implementation de la PrEP en 2016 ; mais au sein de l’objectif 90/90/90 fixe par l’OMS, le depistage en France reste insuffisant. Materiels et methodes Analyse des donnees de l’enquete nationale sur les opportunites manquees de PrEP realisee aupres des personnes ayant un nouveau diagnostic d’infection recente au VIH defini par un test serologique incomplet ou un antecedent de test negatif dans les 6 derniers mois entre 04/2019 et 10/2020. La frequence et le lieu de depistage ont ete analyses selon l’âge, le sexe et le mode de contamination. Resultats Parmi les 636 nouvelles decouvertes de seropositivite au VIH, 224 (35 %) etaient des infections recentes et les donnees de 185 patients ont pu etre analysees. Ce sont majoritairement des hommes (177, 96 %), d’âge median 33 (27–46) ans, nes en France metropolitaine (132, 72 %). Une activite de chemsex est rapportee chez 37% (68). Le mode de contamination est sexuel pour 175 hommes (149 [90,5 %] par relations avec un homme [HSH] et 18 [10,3 %] heterosexuel ; par usage de drogues pour 2 hommes, apres accident d’exposition a risque viral pour 2 hommes et est indetermine chez 6 hommes). Huit femmes ont ete incluses, toutes contaminees par relation sexuelle avec un homme : 8 (4,3 %). Les HSH sont significativement plus jeunes que les autres (p = 0,01). La realisation d’un dernier test dans l’annee est plus frequente chez les HSH vs les autres hommes (88 % vs 70 % ; p = 0,08) et d’un test au moins une fois par semestre plus frequente chez les HSH vs les autres hommes (62 % vs 32 % ; p = 0,01) ainsi que chez les plus jeunes (32 [27–40] vs 39 [29–48] ; p = 0,01). Le tres faible effectif de femmes ne permet pas d’identifier un profil de recours au depistage. En general, les depistages sont realises dans un laboratoire d’analyses apres prescription medicale pour 69 %, dans un CEGIDD pour 22 % et par autotest pour 10 %, sans difference selon le sexe ou le mode de contamination. Le depistage au CEGIDD (vs autres lieux/modes) concerne des patients significativement plus jeunes (28 ans [25–33] vs 36 [29–47] ans ; p ≤ 0,0001) et sur prescription medicale (vs autres lieux/modes), des patients en tendance plus âges (35 ans [28–47] vs 32 [26–41] ; p = 0.07). Conclusion La frequence de depistage chez les HSH nouvellement infectees temoigne de prise de risques interrogeant sur les causes de non prise de PrEP. Ces donnees, collectees chez des personnes nouvellement infectees, soulignent la necessite de maintenir les campagnes de prevention du VIH egalement vers les heterosexuels, hommes et femmes, de renforcer aupres de ces populations le recours au depistage et de developper les actions de depistage pro-active et notamment le recours a l’autotest.

International audience; Empowerment is an ongoing process through which individuals and communities appropriate power and acquire the capability to function autonomously. Research on empowerment in men who have sex with men (MSM) is lacking in community-based contexts. We investigated the relationship between willingness to be empowered and HIV care needs in West African MSM accessing community-based organisations’ (CBO) services. Fifty-three interviews were administered to HIV-negative MSM participating in the CohMSM study (Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo). Five indicators of empowerment were identified from a discourse analysis: (i) motivation to access HIV services, (ii) willingness to improve HIV services, (iii) desire to be involved in new activities, (iv) desire to participate in such services, (v) willingness to collaborate in decision making. Based on these indicators, participants were classified into two profiles: high (19/53, 36%) and low (34/53, 64%) level of willingness to be empowered (HWE, LWE). Using a thematic analysis, HWE participants were focused on collective benefit (preventive follow-up, questions about MSM identity), while LWE participants were centred on individual benefit (medical care). CBOs should consider empowerment as a tool to advance collective health benefits for MSM. To improve empowerment in MSM, specific training on issues regarding sexual identity and stigma is needed for CBO providers.

Research on male clients of male sex workers (MCMSW) has been neglected for a long time globally. We aimed to characterize MCMSW and to identify factors associated with their sexual practices using data from the prospective cohort study CohMSM conducted in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Togo. Our study focused on HIV-negative men who have sex with other men (MSM) recruited between 06/2015 and 01/2018 by a team of trained peer educators. Scheduled study visits at 6, 12 and 18 months included medical examinations, HIV screening, risk-reduction counselling and face-to-face interviews to collect information on their sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviours, and HIV risk-reduction strategies (HIV-RRS). Three stigmatization sub-scores were constructed (experienced, perceived and internalized). Mixed-effects logistic regression was used for data analysis. Of the 280 participants recruited at baseline, 238, 211 and 118, respectively, had a follow-up visit at 6, 12 and 18 months. Over a total of 847 visits, 47 transactional sex (TS) encounters were reported by 38 MCMSW (13.6%). Of the latter, only one participant reported systematic TS (2.6%), 18 (47.4 %) stopped reporting TS after baseline, and 6 (15.8%) reported TS after baseline. Thirteen participants (34.2 %) reported occasional TS. After adjusting for country of study and age, the following self-reported factors were associated with a greater likelihood of being MCMSW: protected anal sex, exclusively insertive anal sex with male sexual partners, avoidance of sex after consuming psychoactive products and experiencing stigmatization (all during the previous 6 months). The majority of MCMSW in this study employed HIV-RRS with male sexual partners, including engaging in protected anal sex, avoidance of sex when consuming psychoactive products, and practising exclusively insertive anal sex.

BackgroundAlthough men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, they do not have access to vaccination in West Africa, which is a highly endemic region. We investigated HBV prevalence and associated factors, as well as acceptability and difficulties of vaccination in MSM enrolled in an operational research program in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Togo.MethodsWe followed up 779 MSM in 2015–2018. Participants who were negative for both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies (anti-HBs) at enrollment were offered HBV vaccination. Factors associated with HBV infection were identified using logistic regression models.ResultsOverall, HBV prevalence was 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.0%–13.6%). It was lower in Togo than in Côte d’Ivoire (2.7% vs 17.3%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02–0.28) and higher in participants with 6+ recent male sexual partners (21.0% vs 9.3%; aOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.12–1.97). Of 528 participants eligible for vaccination, 484 (91.7%) were willing to be vaccinated and received at least 1 dose (ranging from 68.2% in Abidjan to 96.4% in Bamako; P < .001). Of the latter, 390 (80.6%) received 3 or 4 doses. The proportion of participants for whom the minimum required time between each dose was respected ranged from 10.9% in Bamako to 88.6% in Lomé (P < .001).ConclusionsMSM in West Africa should be targeted more for HBV screening and vaccination. Although vaccination is well accepted by MSM, greater training of health care workers and education of MSM are required.

International audience; OBJECTIVE:To explore the interest in taking PrEP among Western African men who have sex with men (MSM).METHODS:A cross-sectional survey was implemented at enrolment of HIV-negative MSM in a multiple centre community-based cohort study in four West African countries (Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo). A standardised face-to-face questionnaire collected data on socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics over the previous 6 months. Descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression helped identify factors associated with the interest in taking PrEP.RESULTS:Of 564 participants, 87% were interested in taking PrEP. Interest in PrEP was associated with inconsistent condom use for anal sex (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-3.67), transactional sex (aOR: 2.02; 95% CI 1.11-3.71), searching for male sexual partners on the Internet in the previous month (aOR: 1.86; 95% CI 1.01-3.43), having a high level of self-esteem (aOR: 1.20; 95% CI 1.06-1.36), having at least one sexually transmitted infections at enrolment (aOR: 5.08; 95% CI 1.40-18.4) and not being aware of PrEP (aOR: 2.03; 95% CI 1.04-3.96). Participants having sex with HIV-positive male partners (aOR: 0.28; 95% CI 0.11-0.74), those being more sexually attracted to women than to men (aOR: 0.20; 95% CI 0.07-0.89) and those reporting psychological and material support from close friends (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI 0.15-0.73) were less interested in taking PreP.CONCLUSIONS:Western African HIV-negative MSM appear very interested in taking PrEP, especially those most at risk of HIV infection. PrEP implementation in a comprehensive prevention package should be considered urgently.

OBJECTIVE: Although antiretroviral treatment (ART) no longer requires 100% adherence, voluntary treatment interruption (VTI) still may have a negative impact on virologic success. Previous studies have shown that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more prevalent in HIV-infected patients than in the general population. However, no study has yet investigated the relationship between PTSD and VTI. We analyzed this relationship using data from a French national survey representative of HIV-infected adults followed up in hospitals. METHODS: A total of 3,022 HIV-infected adults participated in the ANRS-VESPA2 survey (April 2011-January 2012) and answered a face-to-face questionnaire that included the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short-Form to diagnose PTSD and assess sociobehavioral variables such as VTI. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to study the relationship between PTSD and VTI. RESULTS: Among the 2,768 ART-treated participants with available data for both PTSD screening and ART interruption (study sample), prevalence of PTSD was 13.3%, and 7.2% of individuals reported VTI during the previous month. After adjustment for being a female Sub-Saharan African immigrant and reporting harmful alcohol consumption (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score ≥ 8), lifetime PTSD was found to be independently associated with VTI (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] = 1.64 [1.07-2.53], P = .025). CONCLUSIONS: PTSD is highly prevalent in HIV-infected patients followed up in French hospitals and is a significant predictor of VTI. PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that is still underdiagnosed and undertreated in many countries despite its negative consequences on health behaviors. As there is evidence of effective treatment for PTSD, HIV care providers need to be trained in screening for this disorder.

Sleep disturbance is frequent in opioid-dependent patients. To date, no data are available about the impact of methadone maintenance treatment on sleep disturbance. Using 1-year follow-up data from the Methaville trial, we investigated the impact of methadone initiation and other correlates on sleep disturbance in opioid-dependent patients. Sleep disturbance severity was evaluated using two items from different scales (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for depression and Opiate Treatment Index). We assessed the effect of methadone and other correlates on sleep disturbance severity during follow-up (months 0, 6, and 12) using a mixed multinomial logistic regression model. We included 173 patients who had 1-year follow-up data on sleep disturbance, corresponding to 445 visits. At enrolment, 60.5 % reported medium to severe sleep disturbance. This proportion remained stable during methadone treatment: 54.0 % at month 6 and 55.4 % at month 12. The final multivariate model indicated that younger patients (odds ratio (OR) [95 % CI] 0.95 [0.90–1.00]), patients with pain (OR [95 % CI] 2.45 [1.13–5.32]), patients with high or very high nicotine dependence (OR [95 % CI] 5.89 [2.41–14.39]), and patients at suicidal risk (2.50 [1.13–5.52]) had a higher risk of severe sleep disturbance. Because of collinearity between suicidal risk and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, ADHD was not associated with sleep disturbance in the final model. Receiving methadone treatment had no significant effect on sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbance is frequent among opioid-dependent patients. It can be regarded as an important signal of more complex psychiatric comorbidities such as suicidal risk and ADHD. However, sleep disturbance should not be considered an obstacle to methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) initiation or continuation.

International audience; BACKGROUND:Suicide is a critical issue among opioid users. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between HCV status and suicidal risk in patients receiving methadone treatment.METHODS:We used data from Methaville, a multicenter, pragmatic randomized trial designed to evaluate the feasibility of methadone induction in primary care compared with induction in specialized centers. Suicidal risk was assessed at enrollment and after one year of methadone treatment using the suicidality module in the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Socio-demographic characteristics, drug and alcohol consumption, behavioral and personality factors, history of drug use and health indicators were also assessed.RESULTS:A total of 195 individuals were enrolled from January 2009 to December 2010. Suicidal risk assessment was available at month 0 (M0) and M12 for 159 (72%) and 118 (73%) individuals, respectively. Forty-four (28%) were at risk of suicide at M0 and 17 (14%) at M12 (p=0.004). One patient attempted suicide by overdose during the one-year follow-up. The following three factors were associated with suicidal risk: hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive status (OR [95%CI]=17.25 [1.14-161.07]; p=0.04), receiving food assistance (OR [95%CI]=0.05 [0.00-1.05]; p=0.05) and a higher number of health problems (OR [95%CI]=1.24 [1.08-1.44]; p=0.003).CONCLUSIONS:Special attention should be given to HCV-positive patients through suicidal risk prevention strategies and routine suicide assessment as part of a comprehensive approach to prevention and care for opioid users. Our results represent a new and powerful argument for the expansion of access to HCV treatment to drug users with chronic infection.

Introduction and Aims Concomitant elevated alcohol consumption and use of benzodiazepines (BZD) during methadone treatment is widespread and particularly worrying because of the increased risk of overdose. Using concomitant binge drinking and use of BZD as a proxy of overdose risk, we aimed to study whether buprenorphine switchers were at higher risk of overdose during methadone treatment. Design and Methods The French National Agency for Research for Aids and Viral Hepatitis –Methaville multisite randomised trial enrolled 195 patients to assess the feasibility of initiating methadone in primary care by comparing it with methadone initiation in specialised centres. We selected 174 patients with available data on BZD use and alcohol binge drinking at baseline and 12 months, accounting for 318 visits. The outcome was defined to take into account an overdose risk gradient as follows: no BZD use, BZD use without and with binge drinking during the previous month. To identify factors associated with the outcome, we performed a mixed multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results At baseline, 26% of the sample reported BZD use alone while 16% reported BZD use and binge drinking. Half of the sample (51%) was switching from buprenorphine treatment. After multivariate analysis, employment, depressive symptoms and switching treatment from buprenorphine to methadone [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 5.38 (1.74–16.62)] remained associated with BZD use and binge drinking. Discussion and Conclusions As well as the importance of identifying socially vulnerable and depressed methadone-maintained patients, clinicians should be aware that patients who fail buprenorphine treatment and switch to methadone require greater clinical monitoring and management to avoid the risk of overdose. [Roux P, Lions C, Michel L, Mora M, Maradan G, Marcellin F, Spire B, Alain M, Patrizia CM, the ANRS Methaville Study Group. Concomitant use of benzodiazepine and alcohol in methadone-maintained patients from the ANRS Methaville trials: Preventing the risk of opioid overdose in patients who failed with buprenorphine. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015; ●●:●●–●●]

International audience; introduction Decreasing international financial resources for HIV and increasing numbers of antiretroviral treatment (ART)-treated patients may jeopardise treatment continuity in low-income settings. Using data from the EVOLCam ANRS-12288 survey, this study aimed to document the prevalence of unplanned treatment interruption for more than 2 consecutive days (TI>2d) and investigate the associated individual and health care supply-related factors within the Cameroonian ART programme. methods A cross-sectional mixed methods survey was carried out between April and December 2014 in 19 HIV services of the Centre and Littoral regions. A multilevel logistic model was estimated on 1885 ART-treated patients in these services to investigate factors of TI>2d in the past 4 weeks. results Among the study population, 403 (21%) patients reported TI>2d. Patients followed up in hospitals reporting ART stock-outs were more likely to report TI>2d while those followed up in the Littoral region, in medium-or small-sized hospitals and in HIV services proposing financial support were at lower risk of TI>2d. The following individual factors were also associated with a lower risk of TI>2d: living in a couple, having children, satisfaction with attention provided by doctor, tuberculosis co-infection and not having consulted a traditional healer. conclusions Besides identifying individual factors of TI>2d, our study highlighted the role of health care supply-related factors in shaping TI in Cameroon's ART programme, especially the deleterious effect of ART stock-outs. Our results also suggest that the high proportion of patients reporting TI could jeopardise progress in the fight against HIV in the country, unless effective measures are quickly implemented like ensuring the continuity of ART supply. keywords HIV, Cameroon, antiretroviral treatment interruption, individual factors, health care supply-related factors

Aims In France, a non-negligible proportion of opioid-dependent individuals inject morphine sulfate. Although it has not yet been officially approved as an opioid substitution treatment (OST), some physicians can prescribe its use for people in methadone or buprenorphine treatment failure. Longitudinal data from the ANRS-AERLI study, which evaluated an educational intervention for safer injection called AERLI, provided us the opportunity to better characterize the profile, risk practices and needs of people who inject morphine sulfate (MSI), through comparison with other injectors, and to identify correlates of HIV/HCV risk practices in this group. Methods The national multisite ANRS-AERLI study assessed the impact of AERLI offered in volunteer harm reduction (HR) centers (“with intervention”) (n = 113) through comparison with standard HR centers (“without intervention”) (n = 127). All participants were scheduled to be followed up for 12 months and have 3 telephone interviews: at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. We compared MSI (n = 79) with other opioid injectors (n = 161) and then used a mixed logistic model to identify factors associated with HIV/HCV risk practices among MSI. Findings Of the 240 eligible participants, 79 were regular MSI. They were less likely to use cocaine, crack or buprenorphine and to receive OST than other participants. Conversely, MSI were more likely to inject drugs more than three times a day and to report HIV/HCV risk practices. Among MSI, multivariate analysis showed that those receiving morphine sulfate as an OST were less likely to report such practices than other participants (aOR [95%CI] = 0.11 [0.02-0.61]). Conclusion Our results show that while MSI use fewer stimulants, they have more HIV/HCV risk practices than other injectors. However, when MSI are prescribed morphine sulfate as a treatment, these practices tend to decrease. Our findings suggest the importance of increasing access to morphine sulfate as a new OST in France.

International Liver Congress (ILC), Paris, FRANCE, APR 11-15, 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate whether adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) can be explained not only by individual factors but also by health care facilities' characteristics, among a sample of people living with HIV (PLWH) treated with PI-based regimens in Cambodia. MethodsThe ANRS 12276 2PICAM cross-sectional survey was conducted between February 2013 and April 2014 among PLWH followed up in 13 health care facilities. The 1316 patients in this analysis corresponded to 90% of the total number of adult patients treated with 2nd-line PI-based regimens in Cambodia in the study period. A variable indicating whether patients were non-adherent (=1) or completely adherent (=0) was constructed. Health care facilities and individual characteristics were included in a two-level logistic model to investigate their influence on patients' adherence to ART. ResultsA total of 17% of participants did not adhere to ART. Patients in health care facilities outside the capital Phnom Penh were six times more likely to be non-adherent than those treated in health care facilities in the capital (OR: 6.15, 95% CI [1.47, 25.79]). Providing psychosocial care (provided by psychologist counsellors and/or full-time coaches) was found to be a structural facilitator of adherence, as the probability of non-adherence fell by 38.5% per each additional psychological worker present in health care facilities (OR: 0.62, 95% CI [0.43, 0.89]). Financial constraints were the main individual factor preventing adherence. ConclusionsOur results suggest that inefficiencies in health care delivery are detrimental to PLWH health and to the exceptional progress currently being made by Cambodia in response to HIV. Policy makers should focus on increasing the number of psychosocial workers, especially in areas outside the capital. ObjectifsInvestiguer si l'adhesion au traitement antiretroviral (ART) peut etre expliquee non seulement par des facteurs individuels mais aussi par les caracteristiques des etablissements de sante, dans un echantillon de personnes vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH), traitees par des schemas a base d'IP au Cambodge. MethodesL'enquete transversale ANRS 12276 2PICAM a ete menee entre fevrier 2013 et avril 2014 chez des PLWH suivies dans 13 etablissements de sante. Les 1316 patients dans cette analyse correspondaient a 90% du nombre total des patients adultes traites par des schemas de 2(e) ligne a base d'IP au Cambodge durant la periode d'etude. Une variable indiquant si les patients etaient non adherents (= 1) ou totalement adherents (= 0) a ete construite. Les caracteristiques des etablissements de soins de sante et individuels ont ete incluses dans un modele logistique a deux niveaux afin d'etudier leur influence sur l'adhesion des patients a l'ART. Resultats17% des participants n'on pas adhere a l'ART. Les patients dans les etablissements de soins de sante en dehors de la capitale Phnom Penh etaient six fois plus susceptibles d'etre non-adherents que ceux traites dans les etablissements de sante dans la capitale (OR: 6,15; IC95%: 1,47-25,79). La fourniture de soins psychosociaux (par des psychologues et/ou des coaches a temps plein) a ete trouve comme etant un facilitateur structurel de l'adhesion, vu que la probabilite de non-adhesion a chute de 38,5% par chaque agent psychologique supplementaire present dans les etablissements de sante (OR: 0,62; IC95%: 0,43-0,89). Les contraintes financieres etaient le principal facteur individuel empechant l'adhesion. ConclusionsNos resultats suggerent que l'inefficacite dans la prestation des soins de sante est prejudiciable a la sante des PLWH et aux progres exceptionnels realises actuellement par le Cambodge en reponse au VIH. Les decideurs devraient se concentrer sur l'augmentation du nombre des agents psychosociaux, en particulier dans les zones situees a l'exterieur de la capitale.

International audience; Background: Patients receiving buprenorphine who are poor responders can continue to commit drug-related offences. Switching them from buprenorphine to methadone may result in reduced criminal behaviour. We compared self-reported offences and incarceration before and after starting methadone treatment of patients switching from buprenorphine (PSB) and maintenance treatment incident users (MIU). Methods: Data on offences, incarceration and other information, were obtained via a telephone interview. Mixed models were used to assess the impact of methadone initiation and being PSB or MIU on (1) the number of days when offences were committed (drug sale, drug purchase, other offences) and (2) experiencing incarceration during the previous 6 months. Results: Among the 176 patients with at least one assessment for self-reported offences, 51.7% were PSB. Receiving methadone was significantly associated with a reduction in the number of days when drug sale or drug purchase offences were committed, but not other offences. PSB and MIU groups were different only for drug purchase, as PSB were more likely to have a higher number of days of drug purchase from month 3 onwards. A reduction of 77% in the likelihood of experiencing incarceration was observed and this was comparable in PSB and MIU. Conclusion: Switching non-responding buprenorphine patients to methadone can result in a major reduction in offences and incarceration rates. Increasing access to methadone, using more flexible models of care is urgent for clinical and public health reasons. ã

International audience; AbstractBackgroundInjectable opioids are an interesting option for people who inject drugs (PWID) that do not respond to oral Opioid Maintenance Treatment (OMT). To date, intravenous (IV) buprenorphine - a safer drug than full-opioid agonists in terms of overdose risk - has never been tested in a clinical trial on opioid dependence. We designed a survey to better understand the profile of PWID eligible for IV buprenorphine, and their willingness to receive it.MethodsThis cross-sectional community-based national survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews (in low-threshold and addiction care services) and online questionnaires (on https://psychoactif.org and other websites). Among the 557 participants, we selected those who were eligible for IV buprenorphine treatment (history of oral OMT, regular opioid injection) (n = 371). We used regression models to study factors associated with willingness to receive IV buprenorphine treatment among those with data on willingness (n = 353). In those who were willing (n = 294), we subsequently studied their willingness to receive daily supervised IV buprenorphine treatment.ResultsAmong the selected 353 participants, 59% mainly injected buprenorphine, 15% heroin, 16% morphine sulfate and 10% other opioids. Eighty-three percent of the sample reported willingness to receive IV buprenorphine treatment. Factors associated with willingness were: more than 5 injection-related complications, regular buprenorphine injection, no lifetime overdose, and completion of the questionnaire online. Factors associated with unwillingness to receive daily supervised treatment were younger age (OR[IC95%]=1.04[1.01; 1.07]) and stable housing (OR[IC95%]=0.61[0.37;1.01]) while regular heroin injectors were more willing to receive daily supervision (OR[IC95%]=2.94 [1.42; 6.10]).ConclusionsPWID were very willing to receive intravenous buprenorphine as a treatment, especially those with multiple injection-related complications. In addition, our findings show that IV buprenorphine may be less acceptable to PWID who inject morphine sulfate. Young PWID and those with stable housing were unwilling to receive IV buprenorphine if daily supervision were required. This preliminary study provides useful information for the development of a clinical trial on IV buprenorphine treatment.

International audience; OBJECTIVES:To determine the impact of hospital caseload size on HIV virological success when taking into account individual patient characteristics.METHODS:Data from the ANRS-VESPA2 survey representative of people living with HIV in France was used. Analyses were carried out on the 2612 (86.4% out of 3022) individuals receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for at least one year. Outcomes correspond to two definitions of virological success (VS1 and VS2 respectively) and were analyzed under a multi-level modeling framework with a special focus on the effect of the caseload size on VS.RESULTS:Structures with caseloads

International audience; AbstractBackgroundCocaine use is frequent in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and can jeopardize their treatment response. Identifying clinical predictors of cocaine use during methadone treatment can potentially improve clinical management. We used longitudinal data from the ANRS Methaville trial both to describe self-reported occasional and regular cocaine use during MMT and to identify clinical predictors.MethodsWe selected 183 patients who had data on cocaine (or crack) use at months 0 (M0), M6, and/or M12, accounting for 483 visits. The outcome was “cocaine use” in three categories: “no,” “occasional,” and “regular” use. To identify factors associated with the outcome over time, we performed a mixed multinomial logistic regression.ResultsTime on methadone was significantly associated with a decrease in occasional but not in regular cocaine use from 14.7 % at M0 to 7.1 % at M12, and from 10.7 % at baseline to 6.5 % at M12, respectively. After multiple adjustments, opiate injection, individuals screening positive for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, and those presenting depressive symptoms were more likely to regularly use cocaine.ConclusionsAlthough time on MMT had a positive impact on occasional cocaine use, it had no impact on regular cocaine use. Moreover, regular cocaine users were more likely to report opiate injection and to present ADHD and depressive symptoms. Early screening of these disorders and prompt tailored pharmacological and behavioral interventions can potentially reduce cocaine use and improve response to MMT.Trial registrationThe trial is registered with the French Agency of Pharmaceutical Products (AFSSAPS) under the number 2008-A0277-48, the European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials, number Eudract 2008-001338-28, the ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00657397, and the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number Register ISRCTN31125511.