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HIV prevalence, testing and treatment among men who have sex with men through engagement in virtual sexual networks in Kenya: a cross-sectional bio-behavioural study.
- Source :
-
Journal of the International AIDS Society [J Int AIDS Soc] 2020 Jun; Vol. 23 Suppl 2, pp. e25516. - Publication Year :
- 2020
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Abstract
- Introduction: In Kenya, men who have sex with men (MSM) are increasingly using virtual sites, including web-based apps, to meet sex partners. We examined HIV testing, HIV prevalence, awareness of HIV-positive status and linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART), for HIV-positive MSM who solely met partners via physical sites (PMSM), compared with those who did so in virtual sites (either solely via virtual sites (VMSM), or via both virtual and physical sites (DMSM)).<br />Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional bio-behavioural survey of 1200 MSM, 15 years and above, in three counties in Kenya between May and July 2019, using random sampling of physical and virtual sites. We classified participants as PMSM, DMSM and VMSM, based on where they met sex partners, and compared the following between groups using chi-square tests: (i) proportion tested; (ii) HIV prevalence and (iii) HIV care continuum among MSM living with HIV. We then performed multivariable logistic regression to measure independent associations between network engagement and HIV status.<br />Results: 177 (14.7%), 768 (64.0%) and 255 (21.2%), of participants were classified as PMSM, DMSM and VMSM respectively. 68.4%, 70.4% and 78.5% of PMSM, DMSM and VMSM, respectively, reported an HIV test in the previous six months. HIV prevalence was 8.5% (PMSM), 15.4% (DMSM) and 26.7% (VMSM), p < 0.001. Among those living with HIV, 46.7% (PMSM), 41.5% (DMSM) and 29.4% (VMSM) were diagnosed and aware of their status; and 40.0%, 35.6% and 26.5% were on antiretroviral treatment. After adjustment for other predictors, MSM engaged in virtual networks remained at a two to threefold higher risk of prevalent HIV: VMSM versus PMSM (adjusted odds ratio 3.88 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84 to 8.17) p < 0.001); DMSM versus PMSM (2.00 (95% CI 1.03 to 3.87), p = 0.040).<br />Conclusions: Engagement in virtual networks is associated with elevated HIV risk, irrespective of individual-level risk factors. Understanding the difference in characteristics among MSM-seeking partners in different sites will help HIV programmes to develop subpopulation-specific interventions.<br /> (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of the International AIDS Society published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International AIDS Society.)
- Subjects :
- Adult
Anti-Retroviral Agents therapeutic use
Continuity of Patient Care
Cross-Sectional Studies
HIV Infections diagnosis
HIV Infections drug therapy
Humans
Kenya epidemiology
Logistic Models
Male
Prevalence
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Surveys and Questionnaires
Unsafe Sex
Young Adult
HIV Infections epidemiology
Homosexuality, Male statistics & numerical data
Internet
Sexual Partners
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1758-2652
- Volume :
- 23 Suppl 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of the International AIDS Society
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 32589341
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1002/jia2.25516