Frequent chlamydia and gonorrhoea but very infrequent syphilis among men who have sex with men using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in West Africa.

OBJECTIVES: Although oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is being rolled out in West Africa, data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in PrEP users are scarce. We assessed the prevalence, incidence and determinants of bacterial STIs in men who have sex with men (MSM) taking PrEP in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Togo. METHODS: A prospective cohort study among MSM initiating PrEP as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package was conducted between 2017 and 2021 in community-based clinics in the four study countries. Molecular screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) was performed at months 0, 6 and 12. Serological testing for syphilis was performed every 3 months over the first year of follow-up. Determinants of CT and/or NG incidence were identified using Poisson generalised linear mixed models. RESULTS: A total of 598 participants with a median age of 24.7 years were included. Prevalence of CT and/or NG was 24.4% (95% CI 21.0 to 28.1), 22.4% (95% CI 18.4 to 26.8) and 29.0% (95% CI 24.2 to 34.1) at months 0, 6 and 12, respectively. The prevalence of syphilis ranged from 0.2% (95% CI 0.0 to 0.9) at month 0 to 0.8% (95% CI 0.2 to 2.4) at month 12. Ninety incident CT and/or NG infections occurred during a total follow-up time of 280.6 person-years (incidence rate 32.1 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 25.8 to 39.4). Three incident syphilis infections were detected during a total follow-up time of 459.7 person-years (incidence rate 0.7 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.9). CT and/or NG incidence was associated with condomless insertive anal sex (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.71, p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: CT and NG were frequent but syphilis was very infrequent in MSM using HIV PrEP in West Africa. HIV programme managers should integrate STI services into PrEP programmes.

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).

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.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seroconversion Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Use Event-Driven or Daily Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (CohMSM-PrEP): A Multi-Country Demonstration Study From West Africa.

BACKGROUND: Data on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversion among men who have sex with men (MSM) using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in West Africa are needed. This study aimed to document HIV seroconversion and associated determinants, PrEP adherence, plasma drug concentrations, and HIV drug resistance in MSM using event-driven or daily PrEP in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 2017-2021 among HIV-seronegative MSM aged 18 or over who were at high risk of HIV infection. Participants could choose between event-driven and daily PrEP, switch regimens, and discontinue or restart PrEP. The determinants of HIV incidence were investigated using a multivariate mixed-effects Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 647 participants were followed for a total time of 1229.3 person-years. Of 5371 visits, event-driven PrEP was chosen in 3873 (72.1%), and daily PrEP in 1400 (26.1%). HIV incidence was 2.4 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-3.6) for event-driven PrEP, and 0.6 per 100 person-years (95% CI .1-2.3) for daily PrEP (adjusted incidence rate ratio 4.40, 95% CI 1.00-19.36, P = .050). Adequate adherence was lower with event-driven than daily PrEP (44.3% vs 74.9%, P < .001). Plasma drug concentrations were undetectable in 92 (97.9%) of the 94 measures taken for 23 participants who seroconverted. Only 1 participant had resistance to PrEP drugs. CONCLUSIONS: HIV seroconversions mainly occurred in participants who chose event-driven PrEP. The study's data highlighted major difficulties with adherence to this regimen. Improving adherence to event-driven PrEP constitutes a major research and public health priority in this context.

Decrease in incidence of sexually transmitted infections symptoms in men who have sex with men enrolled in a quarterly HIV prevention and care programme in West Africa (CohMSM ANRS 12324-Expertise France).

OBJECTIVE: Although men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of STI, their access to tailored healthcare services remains limited in West Africa. We assessed the change in STI symptoms incidence over time among MSM enrolled in a quarterly HIV prevention and care programme in four cities in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Togo. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study in MSM followed up between 2015 and 2019. Men aged over 18 who reported anal sex with another man within the previous 3 months were offered quarterly syndromic diagnosis and treatment for STI, as well as HIV testing, peer-led counselling and support. Condoms and lubricants were also provided. The change in STI symptoms incidence during follow-up was investigated using a non-parametric trend test and mixed-effect Poisson regression models. RESULTS: 816 participants were followed for a total duration of 1479 person-years. 198 participants (24.3%) had at least one STI symptom during follow-up. Overall, STI symptoms incidence was 20.4 per 100 person-years (95% CI 18.4 to 22.6), ranging from 15.3 in Abidjan to 33.1 in Ouagadougou (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 2.39, 95% CI 1.55 to 3.69, p<0.001). STI symptoms incidence was 16.8 and 23.0 per 100 person-years in HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants, respectively (aIRR 0.77, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.04, p=0.087). STI symptoms incidence decreased significantly from 29.9 per 100 person-years in the first 6 months to 8.6 at 30-35 months of follow-up (aIRR per 6-month increase 0.84, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.92, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: STI symptoms incidence decreased over time but the overall burden of STI appeared to be very high in MSM followed up in West Africa. STI services including counselling, diagnosis and treatment should be reinforced. Laboratory tests that allow accurate diagnosis of STI are required. Strengthening STI services will be critical for controlling the HIV and STI epidemics in this vulnerable population and in the general population. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02626286.

Rate and Predictors of Ineffective HIV Protection in African Men Who Have Sex with Men Taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

We investigated the rate and predictors of ineffective HIV protection in men who have sex with men (MSM) taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a prospective cohort study from November 2017 to November 2020 in Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Togo. MSM had to be 18 years or older and at high risk of HIV infection to participate. They also received a comprehensive sexual health prevention package, including PrEP, in community-based clinics as part of the cohort study. Using socio-behavioral/clinical data, HIV protection during their most recent anal intercourse with a male partner was categorized as effective or ineffective (i.e., incorrect PrEP adherence and no condom use). Seventeen percent (500/2839) of intercourses were ineffectively protected for the 520 study participants. Predictors of ineffective HIV protection included being an event-driven user with financial difficulties, having a high alcohol misuse score, and not being a member of a community association. PrEP programs in West Africa must be tailored to socially vulnerable MSM who struggle to adopt PrEP.

RESUMEN: En este artículo hemos investigado la proporción y los factores predictivos de la protección ineficaz de VIH en un grupo de hombres, que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) y que usan la profilaxis pre-exposición (PrEP). Se usaron los datos de un estudio de cohorte prospectivo realizado entre noviembre del 2017 y noviembre del 2020 en Mali, Costa de Marfil, Burkina Faso y Togo. Los participantes son HSH, de 18 años o más, y con alto riesgo de contaminación por el VIH. Estos han recibido un paquete completo de prevención en salud sexual incluyendo la PrEP en clínicas comunitarias como parte del estudio de cohorte. La protección contra el VIH durante la última relación sexual anal con un hombre fue categorizada como eficaz o ineficaz a partir de datos socio-comportamentales/clínicos (i.e. adhesión incorrecta à la PrEP y no utilización del condón). Concerniente a 520 participantes, 17% (500/2839) de las relaciones sexuales fueron protegidas de manera ineficaz. Entre los factores predictivos de la protección ineficaz contra el VIH se encuentran, el uso intermitente de la PrEP asociado a una situación financiera difícil, el consumo de alcohol y no ser miembro de una asociación comunitaria. Los programas de PrEP en África del Oeste, deben adaptarse a los HSH más vulnerables quienes podrían tener más dificultad para adoptar la PrEP.

Socio-behavioral correlates of pre-exposure prophylaxis use and correct adherence in men who have sex with men in West Africa.

BACKGROUND: Multiple barriers compromise pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement (i.e., use and adherence) in men who have sex with men (MSM). In low/middle-income countries, little is known about PrEP engagement in this population. In West Africa, the CohMSM-PrEP study was one of the rare interventions providing PrEP to MSM. We estimated PrEP use and correct adherence rates in CohMSM-PrEP, together with associated factors over time.  METHODS: CohMSM-PrEP recruited MSM in four community-based clinics in Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Togo. Quarterly follow-up included collecting socio-behavioral data, and providing a comprehensive HIV prevention package, PrEP (daily or event-driven), and peer educator (PE)-led counselling. Using repeated measures, multivariate generalized estimating equations models were used to identify factors associated with self-reported i) PrEP use and ii) correct PrEP adherence during participants' most recent anal intercourse (defined as four pills/week for daily users and 2 + 1 + 1 for event-driven users). RESULTS: Five hundred twenty participants were included with a median follow-up time of 12 months (IQR 6-21). Of the 2839 intercourses declared over the follow-up period, PrEP use was self-reported for 1996 (70%), and correct PrEP adherence for 1461 (73%) of the latter. PrEP use was higher in participants who also attended participating clinics outside of scheduled visits (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) [95% Confidence Interval, CI], p-value; 1.32[1.01-1.71], 0.040), and in those who practiced condomless anal sex (1.86[1.54-2.24], < 0.001). Correct adherence was higher in those who often contacted PE outside of scheduled visits (2.16[1.01-4.64], 0.047) and in participants who adopted receptive/versatile sexual positions with stable partners (1.36[1.03-1.81], 0.030). Instead, after an interaction effect between financial situation and regimen was tested, it was lower in event-driven users with a difficult/very difficult financial situation (comfortable/just making ends meet & daily, 4.19[2.56-6.86], < 0.001; difficult/very difficult & daily, 6.47[4.05-10.30], < 0.001; comfortable/just making ends meet & event-driven, 1.63[1.22-2.17], 0.001), and in participants who felt alone (0.76[0.58-0.99], 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Community-based clinic attendance and PE contact outside of scheduled visits were both associated with higher PrEP engagement, but some socially and economically marginalized participants struggled with adherence. As scale-up continues in West Africa, we recommend implementing community-based interventions and providing extra support for vulnerable users to ensure adequate PrEP engagement.

Heterogeneity in the Prevalence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Negative and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men in West Africa.

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.

Adherence to quarterly HIV prevention services and its impact on HIV incidence in men who have sex with men in West Africa (CohMSM ANRS 12324 - Expertise France).

BACKGROUND: Access to tailored HIV prevention services remains limited for West African MSM. We assessed adherence to quarterly HIV prevention services and its impact on HIV incidence in MSM followed up in four cities in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study between 2015 and 2018. HIV-negative MSM aged over 18 benefited from quarterly medical visits which included a clinical examination, HIV testing, screening and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections, peer-led counselling and support, and the provision of condoms and lubricants. Determinants of adherence to quarterly follow-up visits and incident HIV infections were identified using generalized estimating equation models and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively. RESULTS: 618 MSM were followed up for a median time of 20.0 months (interquartile range 15.2-26.3). Overall adherence to quarterly follow-up visits was 76.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 75.1-77.8), ranging from 66.8% in Abidjan to 87.3% in Lomé (p < 0.001). 78 incident HIV infections occurred during a total follow-up time of 780.8 person-years, giving an overall incidence of 10.0 per 100 person-years (95% CI 8.0-12.5). Adherence to quarterly follow-up visits was not associated with the risk of incident HIV infection (adjusted hazard ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.44-1.44, p = 0.545). CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening HIV prevention services among MSM in West Africa, including the use of PrEP, will be critical for controlling the epidemic, not only in this key population but also in the general population. Quarterly follow-up of MSM, which is essential for PrEP delivery, appears feasible. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02626286 (December 10, 2015).

Changes in risky sexual behaviours among West African MSM enrolled in a quarterly HIV testing and counselling prevention programme (CohMSM ANRS 12324 - Expertise France).

OBJECTIVES: Whether 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. METHODS: Data 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. RESULTS: Two 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. CONCLUSIONS: Quarterly 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.

To Pool or Not to Pool Samples for Sexually Transmitted Infections Detection in Men Who Have Sex With Men? An Evaluation of a New Pooling Method Using the GeneXpert Instrument in West Africa.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) using preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, PrEP services should include regular screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) at urethra, anorectum, and pharynx. However, financial and logistic challenges arise in low-resource settings. We assessed a new STI sample pooling method using the GeneXpert instrument among MSM initiating PrEP in West Africa. METHODS: Urine, anorectal, and pharyngeal samples were pooled per individual for analysis. In case of an invalid result only (strategy 1) or a positive result of the pool (strategy 2), samples were analyzed individually to identify the infection's biological location. The results of 2 different pooling strategies were compared against the individual results obtained by a criterion standard. RESULTS: We found a prevalence of 14.5% for chlamydia and 11.5% for gonorrhea, with a predominance of infections being extragenital (77.6%). The majority of infections were asymptomatic (88.2%). The pooling strategy 1, had a sensitivity, specificity and agreement for CT of 95.4%, 98.7%, and 0.93, respectively; and 92.3%, 99.2%, and 0.93 for pooling strategy 2. For NG, these figures were 88.9%, 97.7%, and 0.85 for strategy 1, and 88.9%, 96.7%, and 0.81 for strategy 2. CONCLUSIONS: West African MSM have a high prevalence of extragenital and asymptomatic STIs. The GeneXpert method provides an opportunity to move from syndromic toward etiological STI diagnosis in low-income countries, as the platform is available in African countries for tuberculosis testing. Pooling will reduce costs of triple site testing.

Combined Sexual Behavioral Profiles in HIV-Seronegative Men Who have Sex with Men in West Africa (CohMSM ANRS 12324-Expertise France).

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.

Taking empowerment into account: the response of community-based organisations to the HIV care needs of men who have sex with men in West Africa (CohMSM ANRS 12324 - Expertise France).

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.

Interest in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men in West Africa (CohMSM ANRS 12324 - Expertise France).

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.

Estimating the number of female sex workers in Côte d'Ivoire: results and lessons learned.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the results of three size estimations of the populations of female sex workers (FSW) in five cities in Côte d'Ivoire and on operational lessons learned, which may be relevant for key population programmes in other parts of the world. METHODS: We applied three methods: mapping and census, capture-recapture and service multiplier. All were applied between 2008 and 2009 in Abidjan, San Pedro, Bouaké, Yamoussoukro and Abengourou. RESULTS: Abidjan was the city with the highest number of FSW by far, with estimations between 7880 (census) and 13 714 (service multiplier). The estimations in San Pedro, Bouaké and Yamoussoukro were very similar, with figures ranging from 1160 (Yamoussoukro, census) to 1916 (San Pedro, capture-recapture). Important operational lessons were learned, including strategies for mapping, the importance of involving peer sex workers for implementing the capture-recapture and the identification of the right question for the multiplier method. CONCLUSIONS: Successful application of three methods to estimate the population size of FSW in five cities in Côte d'Ivoire enabled us to make recommendations for size estimations of key population in low-income countries.

Hepatitis B treatment eligibility in West Africa: Uncertainties and need for prospective cohort studies.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: While universal screening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is recommended in high burden countries, little is known about the proportion of HBV-infected persons in need of antiviral therapy in these settings. METHODS: Prisoners in Senegal and Togo as well as female sex workers and men who have sex with men in Cote d'Ivoire were screened for HBV infection. All HBsAg-positive participants underwent transient elastography, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HBV viral load (VL) quantification. Individuals with cirrhosis or those aged >30 years with an HBV replication ≥20 000 IU/mL and elevated ALT were considered eligible for antiviral therapy. RESULTS: Of 1256 participants, 110 (8.8%) were HBsAg positive; their median age was 30 years [interquartile range: 25-33] and 96 (86.5%) were men. Three individuals (2.7%) had cirrhosis, while 28 (29.5%) of 94 participants with available measurements had an HBV VL ≥20 000 IU/mL. Overall, 11 (10.0%) subjects were considered eligible for immediate antiviral treatment (2.1% of participants in Dakar, 7.7% in Abidjan and 21.6% in Lome, P=.001) and 59 (53.4%) for close monitoring due to the presence of significant liver fibrosis, elevated ALT or significant HBV replication. CONCLUSIONS: Among vulnerable populations in West Africa, a minority of HBV-infected individuals were eligible for immediate antiviral therapy. Prospective cohort studies are necessary to evaluate anti-HBV treatment eligibility facing the significant proportion of individuals with active chronic HBV infection.

Oral health and HIV infection among female sex workers in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, female sex workers (FSW) represent a vulnerable population for oral diseases due to many risk factors including HIV infection and drug abuse. In sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the burden of oral diseases and their determinants in vulnerable populations. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of oral diseases among FSW. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among FSW who attended a dedicated non-profit clinic in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire from June to August 2013. Data about the presence of dental caries, periodontitis and oral-mucosal lesions were collected by a dentist during an oral examination. Behavioural information related to oral hygiene habits as well as tobacco and alcohol consumption were collected through a standardized questionnaire. Information related to HIV infection including HIV diagnosis, last known CD4 count and antiretroviral therapy were documented through a medical chart review. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with oral diseases. RESULTS: A total of 249 FSW with a median age of 29 years, [Inter Quartile Range (IQR) = 23-36] and a median duration of sex work of 24 months [IQR 9-60]) were included. Current tobacco use and hazardous alcohol use were reported in 21.7 % and 19.7 % of FSW, respectively. The estimated prevalence of HIV infection was 33.7 % [95 % confidence interval (CI); 27.8 - 39.6]) and 82.1 % of HIV-infected FSW were on antiretroviral therapy . The prevalence of dental caries, periodontitis and oral-mucosal lesions were 62.3 % [95 % CI 55.5 - 67.5], 14.5 % [95 % CI 10.2 - 18.9] and 8.2 % [95 % CI 4.8 - 11.5], respectively. In multivariate analysis, periodontitis, oral-mucosal lesions and HIV infection were associated with odds ratio of 2.6 [95 % CI, 1.2-5.8]) and 50.0 [95 % CI; 6.4-384.6]. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a high prevalence of oral diseases among FSW in Abidjan. HIV infection was common and significantly associated with periodontal diseases and oral-mucosal lesions. There is a need to integrate regular screening and treatment of oral lesions into the medical follow-up of FSW along with strategies for HIV prevention.

Strategies to improve PrEP uptake among West African men who have sex with men: a multi-country qualitative study.

Introduction: West African men who have sex with men (MSM) remain at substantial risk of contracting HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be an effective game-changer in reducing the number of HIV infections in MSM communities. To optimize the roll-out of PrEP, we need to better understand how we can increase its uptake. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions of West African MSM toward PrEP and their proposed strategies to overcome barriers to PrEP uptake within their communities. Methods: Between April 2019 and November 2021, we conducted 12 focus group discussions with 97 MSM not taking PrEP, and 64 semi-structured interviews with MSM taking PrEP, in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. Data collection and analysis were guided and conducted by local research teams, enabling a community-based participatory approach. A coordinating researcher collaborated with these local teams to analyze the data guided by a grounded theory approach. Results: The results show that participants were generally positive toward PrEP and that MSM communities have become more aware of PrEP for the study. We identified three main strategies for increasing PrEP uptake. First, participants proposed to raise awareness and improve knowledge of HIV as they considered the self-perceived risk of MSM in their communities to be low. Second, because of existing misconceptions and false information, participants proposed to improve the dissemination of PrEP to allow for informed choices, e.g., via peers or PrEP users themselves. Third, as oral PrEP also entails a risk of being associated with HIV or homosexuality, strategies to avoid stigmatization (e.g., hiding pills) were deemed important. Discussion: These findings indicate that the roll-out of oral PrEP and other future PrEP modalities should be accompanied by raising awareness and improving knowledge on HIV, and wide dissemination of information that focuses on the health-promoting aspect of these tools. Tailored delivery and long-acting PrEP modalities will be important to avoid potential stigmatization. Sustained efforts to prevent discrimination and stigmatization based on HIV status or sexual orientation continue to be highly important strategies to address the HIV epidemic in West Africa.

The Perceived Added Value of Bimonthly Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis According to West African Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Focus Group Study.

Bimonthly long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) can become an important additional tool for HIV prevention among West African men who have sex with men (MSM). The objective was to explore the perceived added value of LAI-PrEP as an HIV prevention tool among MSM in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. We conducted eight focus group discussions among 62 HIV-negative MSM between April and May 2021. Participants were recruited via local community-based clinics. Data collection and analysis were guided by grounded theory and community-based participatory approaches. Participants were generally knowledgeable about HIV, and explained particular barriers for HIV prevention in their communities (e.g., denial of HIV). The added value of LAI-PrEP relative to condoms was similar to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in terms of perceived advantages (e.g., improved sexual satisfaction) or disadvantages (e.g., no protection against other sexually transmitted infections). Compared with oral PrEP, LAI-PrEP was perceived to provide better protection against HIV and to be more convenient (e.g., no need to be mindful of intake and less risk for stigma). Concerns included fear of needles, doubts about efficacy, potential side effects, and difficulties for ensuring timely injections (e.g., when traveling abroad). The results demonstrate that injectable PrEP can be of particular interest to subgroups of West African MSM, although existing HIV prevention tools such as condoms and oral PrEP will remain valuable alongside of, or instead of, LAI-PrEP. Increasing awareness about HIV and tackling discrimination based on sexual orientation continue to be crucial factors to be addressed for HIV prevention.

Incidence of HIV infection and associated factors among female sex workers in Côte d'Ivoire, results of the ANRS 12361 PrEP-CI study using recent infection assays.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to estimate, using an HIV Recent Infection Testing Algorithm (RITA), the HIV incidence and its associated factors among female sex workers (FSW) in Côte d'Ivoire. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016-2017 in Abidjan and San Pedro's region among FSW aged ≥ 18 years. In addition, a sociodemographic questionnaire, HIV screening was carried out by two rapid tests. In the event of a positive result, a dried blood spot sample was taken to determine, using a RITA adapted to the Ivorian context, if it was a recent HIV infection. RESULTS: A total of 1000 FSW were surveyed with a median age of 25 years (interquartile range: 21-29 years). 39 (3.9%) tested positive for HIV. The incidence of HIV was estimated to be 2.3 per 100 person-years, with higher incidence rates among those 24 years old or less (3.0% vs. 1.9%), non-Ivorian FSW (3.2% vs. 1.9%) and those with the lowest education level (4.6% in FSW who never went to school vs. 2.6%). The incidence seemed to be associated with the sex work practice conditions: higher incidence among FSW whose usual price was less than 3.50$ (4.3% vs.1.0%), FSW who had a larger number of clients on the last day of work (6.1% in those with 7 clients or more vs. 1.8%), FSW who reported not always using condoms with their clients (8.5% vs. 1.5%) and FSW who reported agreeing to sex without a condom in exchange for a large sum of money (10.1% vs. 1.2%). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that FSW remain highly exposed to HIV infection. Exposure to HIV is also clearly associated with certain sex-work factors and the material conditions of sex work. Efforts in the fight against HIV infection must be intensified to reduce new infections among FSW.