Bacterial sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men and transgender women using oral pre-exposure prophylaxis in Latin America (ImPrEP): a secondary analysis of a prospective, open-label, multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: The global burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) poses a challenge in the context of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programmes. We aimed to explore factors associated with prevalent, incident, and recurrent STIs in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women on PrEP in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. METHODS: ImPrEP was a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicentre study that enrolled MSM and transgender women in the context of the public health systems of Brazil (14 sites), Mexico (four sites), and Peru (ten sites) between February, 2018, and June, 2021. Eligibility criteria followed regional PrEP guidelines at the study start, including participants aged 18 years and older, not living with HIV, and reporting at least one of the following in the previous 6 months: condomless anal sex (CAS), anal sex with partner(s) living with HIV, any bacterial STI, or transactional sex. Eligible participants were screened and enrolled on the same day to receive daily oral PrEP (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg and emtricitabine 200 mg). We assessed three outcomes: prevalent bacterial STIs, incident bacterial STIs, and recurrent bacterial STIs. Testing occurred at baseline and quarterly for syphilis, anorectal chlamydia, and anorectal gonorrhoea. Behavioural data were collected at baseline and quarterly. The study was registered with the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, U1111-1217-6021. FINDINGS: Among all 9509 participants included in the ImPrEP study (3928 [41·3%] in Brazil, 3288 [34·6%] in Mexico, and 2293 [24·1%] in Peru), 8525 (89·7%) had available STI results at baseline and were included in the prevalent STI analysis, and 7558 (79·5%) had available STI results during follow-up and were included in the incident and recurrent STI analyses. 2184 (25·6%) of 8525 participants had any bacterial STI at baseline. STI incidence during follow-up was 31·7 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI 30·7-32·7), with the highest rate for anorectal chlamydia (11·6 cases per 100 person-years, 95% CI 11·0-12·2), followed by syphilis (10·5 cases per 100 person-years, 9·9-11·1) and anorectal gonorrhoea (9·7 cases per 100 person-years, 9·2-10·3). Although only 2391 (31·6%) of 7558 participants had at least one STI during follow-up, 915 (12·1%) participants had recurrent diagnoses, representing 2328 (61·2%) of 3804 incident STI diagnoses. Characteristics associated with prevalent, incident, and recurrent STIs included younger age, multiple sex partners, receptive CAS, substance use, and previous STI diagnoses at baseline (incident or recurrent only). INTERPRETATION: Our findings underscore the nuanced dynamics of STI transmission among MSM and transgender women across Latin America, highlighting an urgent need for tailored interventions to mitigate STI burden effectively, especially among the most susceptible individuals. FUNDING: Unitaid, WHO, and ministries of health (Brazil, Mexico, and Peru). TRANSLATIONS: For the Portuguese and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Recent HIV infection and annualized HIV incidence rates among sexual and gender minorities in Brazil and Peru (ImPrEP seroincidence study): a cross-sectional, multicenter study.

Background: HIV incidence estimation is critical for monitoring the HIV epidemic dynamics and the effectiveness of public health prevention interventions. We aimed to identify sexual and gender minorities (SGM) with recent HIV infections, factors associated with recent HIV infection, and to estimate annualised HIV incidence rates. Methods: Cross-sectional multicentre study in HIV testing services in Brazil and Peru (15 cities). Inclusion criteria: 18+ years, SGM assigned male at birth, not using pre-/post-exposure prophylaxis. We identified recent HIV infection using the Maxim HIV-1 LAg-Avidity EIA assay as part of a recent infection testing algorithm (RITA). Annualized HIV incidence was calculated using the UNAIDS/WHO incidence estimator tool. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate factors associated with recent HIV infection. Trial registration: NCT05674682. Findings: From 31-Jan-2021 to 29-May-2022, 6899 individuals participated [Brazil: 4586 (66.5%); Peru: 2313 (33.5%)]; 5946 (86.2%) cisgender men, 751 (10.9%) transgender women and 202 (2.9%) non-binary/gender diverse. Median age was 27 (IQR: 23-34) years. HIV prevalence was 11.4% (N = 784/6899); 137 (2.0%) SGM were identified with recent HIV infection. The overall annualized HIV incidence rate was 3.88% (95% CI: 2.86-4.87); Brazil: 2.62% (95% CI: 1.78-3.43); Peru: 6.69% (95% CI: 4.62-8.69). Participants aged 18-24 years had higher odds of recent HIV infection compared to those aged 30+ years in both countries. Interpretation: Our results highlight the significant burden of HIV epidemic among SGM in large urban centres of Brazil and Peru. Public health policies and interventions to increase access to effective HIV prevention methods such as PrEP are urgently needed in Latin America. Funding: Unitaid, WHO (Switzerland), Ministry of Health from Brazil and Peru.

Expansion of testing, isolation, quarantine, e-health and telemonitoring strategies in socioeconomically vulnerable neighbourhoods at primary healthcare in the fight against COVID-19 in Brazil: a study protocol of a multisite testing intervention using a mixed method approach.

INTRODUCTION: The key tools for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and reducing its transmission include testing, quarantine and isolation, as well as telemonitoring. Primary healthcare (PHC) can be essential in increasing access to these tools. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to implement and expand an intervention consisting of COVID-19 testing, isolation, quarantine and telemonitoring (TQT) strategies and other prevention measures at PHC services in highly socioeconomically vulnerable neighbourhoods of Brazil. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will implement and expand COVID-19 testing in PHC services in two large Brazilian capital cities: Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. Qualitative formative research was conducted to understand the testing context in the communities and at PCH services. The TQT strategy was structured in three subcomponents: (1) training and technical support for tailoring the work processes of health professional teams, (2) recruitment and demand creation strategies and (3) TQT. To evaluate this intervention, we will conduct an epidemiological study with two stages: (1) a cross-sectional sociobehavioural survey among individuals from these two communities covered by PHC services, presenting symptoms associated with COVID-19 or being a close contact of a patient with COVID-19, and (2) a cohort of those who tested positive, collecting clinical data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The WHO Ethics Research Committee (ERC) (#CERC.0128A and #CERC.0128B) and each city's local ERC approved the study protocol (Salvador, ISC/UFBA: #53844121.4.1001.5030; and Rio de Janeiro, INI/Fiocruz: #53844121.4.3001.5240, ENSP/Fiocruz: #53844121.4.3001.5240 and SMS/RJ #53844121.4.3002.5279). Findings will be published in scientific journals and presented at meetings. In addition, informative flyers and online campaigns will be developed to communicate study findings to participants, members of communities and key stakeholders.

Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir for HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: Protocol for an Implementation Study.

BACKGROUND: Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven efficacious in randomized controlled trials. Further research is critical to evaluate its effectiveness in real-world settings and identify effective implementation approaches, especially among young sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). OBJECTIVE: ImPrEP CAB Brasil is an implementation study aiming to generate critical evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of incorporating CAB-LA into the existing public health oral PrEP services in 6 Brazilian cities. It will also evaluate a mobile health (mHealth) education and decision support tool, digital injection appointment reminders, and the facilitators of and barriers to integrating CAB-LA into the existing services. METHODS: This type-2 hybrid implementation-effectiveness study includes formative work, qualitative assessments, and clinical steps 1 to 4. For formative work, we will use participatory design methods to develop an initial CAB-LA implementation package and process mapping at each site to facilitate optimal client flow. SGMs aged 18 to 30 years arriving at a study clinic interested in PrEP (naive) will be invited for step 1. Individuals who tested HIV negative will receive mHealth intervention and standard of care (SOC) counseling or SOC for PrEP choice (oral or CAB-LA). Participants interested in CAB-LA will be invited for step 2, and those with undetectable HIV viral load will receive same-day CAB-LA injection and will be randomized to receive digital appointment reminders or SOC. Clinical appointments and CAB-LA injection are scheduled after 1 month and every 2 months thereafter (25-month follow-up). Participants will be invited to a 1-year follow-up to step 3 if they decide to change to oral PrEP or discontinue CAB-LA and to step 4 if diagnosed with HIV during the study. Outcomes of interest include PrEP acceptability, choice, effectiveness, implementation, and feasibility. HIV incidence in the CAB-LA cohort (n=1200) will be compared with that in a similar oral PrEP cohort from the public health system. The effectiveness of the mHealth and digital interventions will be assessed using interrupted time series analysis and logistic mixed models, respectively. RESULTS: During the third and fourth quarters of 2022, we obtained regulatory approvals; programmed data entry and management systems; trained sites; and performed community consultancy and formative work. Study enrollment is programmed for the second quarter of 2023. CONCLUSIONS: ImPrEP CAB Brasil is the first study to evaluate CAB-LA PrEP implementation in Latin America, one of the regions where PrEP scale-up is most needed. This study will be fundamental to designing programmatic strategies for implementing and scaling up feasible, equitable, cost-effective, sustainable, and comprehensive alternatives for PrEP programs. It will also contribute to maximizing the impact of a public health approach to reducing HIV incidence among SGMs in Brazil and other countries in the Global South. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05515770; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05515770. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/44961.

Preferences for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among sexual and gender minorities: a discrete choice experiment in Brazil.

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) are disproportionally affected by HIV infection in Latin America. This study aims to assess pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) preferences among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) and identify attributes and levels that are related to PrEP uptake and adherence, both crucial for PrEP success. Methods: We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) among SGM from all Brazilian regions (September-December/2020). The survey was administered face-to-face (five Brazilian capitals) and online (entire country). We used a D-efficient zero-prior blocked experimental design to select 60 paired-profile DCE choice tasks. Findings: The total sample size was 3924 (90.5% MSM; 7.2% TGW and 2.3% non-binary or gender diverse persons). In random-effects logit models, highest levels of protection and "no side effects" were the most important attribute levels. For "presentation", injectable and implant were preferred over oral. Participants were willing to accept a 4.1% protection reduction to receive injectable PrEP or a 4.2% reduction if PrEP were taken monthly. The largest class in the latent class models was defined predominantly by the preference for the highest HIV protection level (p < 0.005). Respondents in this class also preferred no side effects, injectable and implant presentations. Interpretation: Higher HIV protection, no side effects, and presentation, whether injectable or implant, were the most important attributes in PrEP preferences. Protection against HIV was the most important attribute. PrEP programs should make available technologies such as long-acting presentations that could reunite the most desired attributes, thus maximizing acceptability and user-appropriateness. Funding: Unitaid.

Preferences for PrEP modalities among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men from Brazil, Mexico, and Peru: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) scale-up is urgent to reduce new HIV cases among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Latin America. Different PrEP modalities may increase PrEP uptake and adherence, especially among young MSM. Objectives: To assess preferences for PrEP modalities among MSM from Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. Design: Cross-sectional web-based study (March-May 2018) targeting MSM through advertisements on Grindr, Hornet, and Facebook. We included MSM aged ⩾ 18 years and who reported HIV-negative status. Methods: We assessed preferences for PrEP modalities with the following question: 'Considering that all following PrEP modalities were available, which one would you prefer considering a scale from 1 to 3 (1 = most preferred): daily oral PrEP, event-driven PrEP (ED-PrEP), and long-acting injectable PrEP'. We assessed factors associated with each most preferred PrEP modality per country using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: A total of 19,457 MSM completed the questionnaire (Brazil: 58%; Mexico: 31%; Peru: 11%); median age was 28 years [interquartile range (IQR): 24-34]. Overall, injectable PrEP was the most preferred modality [42%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 41-43], followed by daily PrEP (35%; 95% CI: 34-35), and ED-PrEP (23%; 95% CI: 23-24). In multivariable models, preferring injectable PrEP was associated with PrEP awareness in all three countries, while PrEP eligibility only in Brazil. Preferring daily PrEP was associated with younger age and lower income in Brazil and Mexico, and lower education only in Brazil. The odds of preferring ED-PrEP were lower among MSM aware and eligible for PrEP in Brazil and Mexico. Conclusions: Long-acting injectable PrEP was the preferred PrEP modality among MSM in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru, especially those aware and eligible for PrEP. Public health interventions to increase PrEP modalities literacy and availability in Latin America are urgent especially among MSM of young age, lower income, and lower education.

Same-day initiation of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men and transgender women in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru (ImPrEP): a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicentre implementation study.

BACKGROUND: Although gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women have the highest HIV burden in Latin America, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation is poor. We aimed to assess the feasibility of same-day oral PrEP delivery in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. METHODS: Implementation PrEP (ImPrEP) was a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicentre PrEP implementation study conducted in Brazil (14 sites), Mexico (four sites), and Peru (ten sites). MSM and transgender women were eligible to participate if they were aged 18 years or older, HIV-negative, and reported one or more prespecified criteria. Enrolled participants received same-day initiation of daily oral PrEP (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [300 mg] coformulated with emtricitabine [200 mg]). Follow-up visits were scheduled at week 4 and quarterly thereafter. We used logistic regression models to identify factors associated with early loss to follow-up (not returning after enrolment), PrEP adherence (medication possession ratio ≥0·6), and long-term PrEP engagement (attending three or more visits within 52 weeks). This study is registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, U1111-1217-6021. FINDINGS: From Feb 6, 2018, to June 30, 2021, 9979 participants were screened and 9509 were enrolled (Brazil n=3928, Mexico n=3288, and Peru n=2293). 543 (5·7%) participants were transgender women, 8966 (94·3%) were cisgender men, and 2481 (26·1%) were aged 18-24 years. There were 12 185·25 person-years of follow-up. 795 (8·4%) of 9509 participants had early loss to follow-up, 6477 (68·1%) of 9509 were adherent to PrEP, and 5783 (70·3%) of 8225 had long-term PrEP engagement. Transgender women (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% CI 1·20-2·14), participants aged 18-24 years (1·80, 1·49-2·18), and participants with primary education (2·18, 1·29-3·68) had increased odds of early loss to follow-up. Transgender women (0·56, 0·46-0·70), participants aged 18-24 years (0·52, 0·46-0·58), and those with primary education (0·60, 0·40-0·91) had lower odds of PrEP adherence. Transgender women (0·56, 0·45-0·71), participants aged 18-24 years (0·56, 0·49-0·64), and those with secondary education (0·74, 0·68-0·86) had lower odds of long-term PrEP engagement. HIV incidence was 0·85 per 100 person-years (95% CI 0·70-1·03) and was higher for transgender women, participants from Peru, those aged 18-24 years, Black and mixed-race participants, and participants who were non-adherent to PrEP. INTERPRETATION: Same-day oral PrEP is feasible for MSM and transgender women in Latin America. Social and structural determinants of HIV vulnerability need to be addressed to fully achieve the benefits of PrEP. FUNDING: Unitaid, WHO, and Ministries of Health in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. TRANSLATIONS: For the Portuguese and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

HIV Risk Perception and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness Among Transgender Women from Mexico.

This study aimed to identify factors associated with HIV risk perception among Mexican transgender women (TGW). This cross-sectional survey was conducted online and at a public HIV clinic in Mexico City. Participants were ≥ 18 years old, self-identified as TGW, and reported not living with HIV. They answered questions on sexual behavior, HIV risk perception, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness. We performed a multivariate logistic regression to accomplish the study's objective. One hundred ninety-one TGW completed the survey. High HIV risk perception was associated with > 5 sexual partners, condomless receptive anal sex, sex with a male partner(s) of unknown HIV status, and PrEP awareness. Although most TGW reported low HIV risk perception, over half had risk sexual behavior, reflecting inaccurate risk assessment. Future interventions to improve accurate risk perception among TGW should promote HIV transmission and prevention knowledge and increase PrEP awareness and uptake.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar los factores asociados con la percepción de riesgo al VIH entre las mujeres trans (MT) mexicanas. El reclutamiento de esta encuesta transversal se realizó en línea y en una clínica pública de VIH en la Ciudad de México. Las participantes tenían ≥ 18 años, se autoidentificaron como MT y reportaron no vivir con VIH. Respondieron preguntas sobre su comportamiento sexual, percepción del riesgo al VIH y conocimiento de la profilaxis preexposición (PrEP). Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística multivariado para cumplir con el objetivo del estudio. Ciento noventa y uno participantes completaron la encuesta. La percepción de alto riesgo al VIH se asoció con > 5 parejas sexuales, sexo anal receptivo sin condón, sexo con una pareja masculina de estado serológico desconocido y conocimiento de la PrEP. Aunque la mayoría de las MT informaron baja percepción del riesgo al VIH, más de la mitad reportaron conductas sexuales de riesgo, lo que refleja una evaluación de riesgo inexacta. Futuras intervenciones para mejorar la percepción precisa del riesgo entre las MT deben centrarse en promover el conocimiento de transmisión y la prevención del VIH, así como aumentar el conocimiento y la aceptación de la PrEP.

Factors associated with long-term HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis engagement and adherence among transgender women in Brazil, Mexico and Peru: results from the ImPrEP study.

INTRODUCTION: The HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately impact Latin-American transgender women (TGW). We assessed factors associated with long-term pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement and adherence among TGW enrolled in the Implementation of PrEP (ImPrEP) study, the largest PrEP demonstration study in Latin America. METHODS: HIV-negative TGW aged ≥18 years reporting 1+eligibility criteria in the 6 months prior to enrolment (e.g. sex partner known to be living with HIV, condomless anal sex [CAS], transactional sex or having a sexually transmitted infection [STI]) who could safely take PrEP were enrolled. Follow-up visits were conducted at 4 weeks and then quarterly. We conducted logistic regression to identify factors associated with long-term PrEP engagement (3+ follow-up visits in 52 weeks) and complete self-reported adherence (no missed pills in the past 30 days) during follow-up. For both outcomes, we constructed multivariable models controlling for country, socio-demographics, sexual behaviour, substance use, STIs and self-reported adherence at 4 weeks (long-term engagement outcome only). RESULTS: From March 2018 to June 2021, ImPrEP screened 519 TGW, enrolled 494 (Brazil: 190, Mexico: 66 and Peru: 238) and followed them for 52 weeks. At baseline, 27.5% of TGW were aged 18-24 years, 67.8% were mixed-race and 31.6% had >secondary education. Most, 89.9% reported CAS, 61.9% had >10 sex partners and 71.9% reported transactional sex. HIV incidence was 1.82 cases per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-4.38). Almost half of TGW (48.6%) had long-term PrEP engagement, which was positively associated with reporting complete adherence at week 4 (aOR:2.94 [95%CI:1.88-4.63]) and was inversely associated with reporting CAS with unknown-HIV partner (aOR:0.52 [95%CI:0.34-0.81]), migration (aOR:0.54 [95%CI:0.34-0.84]), and being from Mexico (aOR:0.28 [95%CI:0.14-0.53]). Self-reported adherence was associated with TGW aged >34 (aOR:1.61 [95%CI:1.10-2.34]) compared to those aged 25-34 and those with >secondary education (aOR:1.55 [95%CI:1.10-2.19]) and was lower among TGW from Peru (aOR:0.29 [95%CI:0.21-0.41]) or reporting PrEP-related adverse effects (aOR:0.63 [95%CI:0.42-0.92]). CONCLUSIONS: Although TGW were willing to enrol in ImPrEP, long-term PrEP engagement and complete self-reported adherence were limited, and HIV incidence remained relatively high. A successful HIV prevention agenda should include trans-specific interventions supporting oral PrEP and exploring long-acting PrEP strategies for TGW.

Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes related to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and other prevention strategies among physicians from Brazil and Mexico: cross-sectional web-based survey.

BACKGROUND: In order to end the HIV epidemic by 2030, combination HIV prevention including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should be widely available, especially for the most vulnerable populations. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), only 14 out of 46 countries have access to PrEP. In Brazil and Mexico, PrEP has been provided at no cost through the Public Health System since 2017 and 2021, respectively. Thus, HIV physicians' perspectives about PrEP and other prevention strategies may differ. This study aimed to compare awareness, knowledge, and attitudes related to PrEP and other prevention strategies among HIV physicians from Brazil and Mexico. METHODS: Cross-sectional, web-based survey targeting physicians who prescribe antiretrovirals from both countries. Participants answered questions on socio-demographic, medical experience, awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards PrEP and other HIV prevention strategies. We stratified all variables per country and compared frequencies using Chi-square, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, as appropriate. RESULTS: From January-October 2020, 481 HIV physicians were included: 339(70.5%) from Brazil, 276(57.4%) male, and median age was 43 years (IQR = 36-53). Awareness of PrEP did not differ between Brazil and Mexico (84.6%), while awareness of other prevention strategies, including post-exposure prophylaxis and new PrEP technologies, was higher in Brazil. More Brazilians perceived U=U as completely accurate compared to Mexicans (74.0% vs. 62.0%, P < .001). Willingness to prescribe PrEP was 74.2%, higher among Brazilians (78.2%, P = .01). Overall, participants had concerns about consistent access to PrEP medication and the risk of antiretroviral resistance in case of acute HIV infection or seroconversion. The main barriers reported were assumptions that users could have low PrEP knowledge (62.0%) or limited capacity for adherence (59.0%). Compared to Brazilians, Mexicans reported more concerns and barriers to PrEP prescription (all; P ≤ .05), except for consistent access to PrEP medication and the lack of professionals to prescribe PrEP (both; P ≤ .01). CONCLUSIONS: Although awareness of PrEP was similar in Brazil and Mexico, differences in knowledge and attitudes may reflect the availability and stage of PrEP implementation in these countries. Strengthening and increasing information on PrEP technologies and other HIV prevention strategies among HIV physicians could improve their comfort to prescribe these strategies and facilitate their scale-up in LAC.

High Rates of Sexualized Drug Use or Chemsex among Brazilian Transgender Women and Young Sexual and Gender Minorities.

(1) Background: We aimed to estimate sexualized drug use (SDU) prevalence and its predictors among sexual and gender minorities. (2) Methods: We used an online and on-site survey to enroll sexual/gender minorities people between October-December/2020, and multivariate logistic regression to obtain SDU correlates. (3) Results: We enrolled 3924 individuals (280 transgender women [TGW], 3553 men who have sex with men [MSM], and 91 non-binary), 29.0% currently on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). SDU prevalence was 28.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27.4-30.2). TGW had 2.44-times increased odds (95%CI 1.75-3.39) of engaging in SDU compared to MSM, regardless of PrEP use. PrEP use (aOR 1.19, 95%CI 1.00-1.41), South/Southeast region (aOR 1.26, 95%CI 1.04-1.53), younger age (18-24 years: aOR 1.41, 95%CI 1.10-1.81; 25-35 years: aOR 1.24, 95%CI 1.04-1.53), white race/color (aOR 1.21, 95%CI 1.02-1.42), high income (aOR 1.32, 95%CI 1.05-1.67), binge drinking (aOR 2.66, 95%CI 2.25-3.14), >5 sexual partners (aOR 1.88, 95%CI 1.61-2.21), condomless anal sex (aOR 1.49, 95%CI 1.25-1.79), self-reported sexually transmitted infection (aOR 1.40, 95%CI 1.14-1.71), and higher perceived HIV-risk (aOR 1.37, 95%CI 1.14-1.64) were associated with SDU. (4) Conclusions: TGW had the highest SDU odds. SDU may impact HIV vulnerability among key populations and should be addressed in HIV prevention approaches.

[Barriers and facilitators for access to PrEP by vulnerable populations in Brazil: the ImPrEP Stakeholders Study]. / Barreiras e facilitadores do acesso de populações vulneráveis à PrEP no Brasil: Estudo ImPrEP Stakeholders.

HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been considered a fundamental strategy for controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and since 2018 it has been the object of an implementation study (ImPrEP Stakeholders Study), conducted in Brazil, México, and Peru. A qualitative component of this study was developed with the objective of identifying the social and structural contexts that involve and organize the supply of PrEP services in Brazil, the stakeholders' subjectivities, and the different perceptions that can impact the strategy's implementation. The current article's focus was to analyze access by vulnerable populations to PrEP services from the perspective of managers, health professionals, leaders or activists, and users of PrEP. This was a qualitative study using a comprehensive methodology, conducted in six Brazilian state capitals, interviewing 71 key actors from November 2018 to May 2019. The analysis was based on access analysis models as proposed by Giovanella & Fleury, McIntyre et al. and Penchansky & Thomas. The results are presented along three lines: "perceptions of combined prevention and PrEP", "availability and adequacy: profile and structure of services in the context of ImPrEP", and "acceptability: attitudes and practices of health professionals and users".

A profilaxia pré-exposição ao HIV (PrEP) tem sido considerada uma estratégia fundamental para o controle da epidemia de HIV/aids, e desde 2018 tem sido objeto de estudo de implementação (Estudo ImPrEP Stakeholders), realizado no Brasil, no México e no Peru. Um componente qualitativo desse estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de identificar os contextos sociais e estruturais que envolvem e organizam a oferta de serviços de PrEP no Brasil, as subjetividades dos atores envolvidos e as diferentes percepções que podem impactar a efetivação dessa estratégia. O presente artigo teve como foco de análise o acesso das populações vulneráveis aos serviços de PrEP, na perspectiva de gestores, profissionais de saúde, lideranças ou ativistas e usuários de PrEP. É um estudo qualitativo com o uso de metodologia compreensiva, realizado em seis capitais brasileiras, em que foram entrevistados 71 atores-chave no período de novembro de 2018 a maio de 2019. A análise foi pautada pelos modelos analíticos sobre acesso propostos por Giovanella & Fleury, McIntyre et al. e Penchansky & Thomas. Os resultados são apresentados com base em três eixos: "percepções sobre prevenção combinada e PrEP"; "disponibilidade e adequação: perfil e estrutura dos serviços no contexto do ImPrEP"; e "aceitabilidade: atitudes e práticas dos profissionais de saúde e usuários".

La profilaxis preexposición al VIH (PrEP) ha sido considerada una estrategia fundamental para el control de la epidemia de VIH/sida y desde 2018 ha sido objeto de estudio de implementación (Estudio ImPrEP Stakeholders), realizado en Brasil, México y Perú. Un componente cualitativo de este estudio se desarrolló con el objetivo de identificar los contextos sociales y estructurales que engloban y organizan la oferta de servicios de PrEP en Brasil, las subjetividades de los actores implicados y las diferentes percepciones que pueden impactar en hacer efectiva esa estrategia. El objetivo de este artículo es el análisis del acceso de las poblaciones vulnerables a los servicios de PrEP, desde la perspectiva de los gestores, profesionales de salud, líderes o activistas y usuarios de la PrEP. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo con uso de metodología comprensiva, realizado en seis capitales brasileñas, en las que fueron entrevistados 71 actores-clave, durante el período de noviembre de 2018 a mayo de 2019. El análisis se pautó mediante modelos analíticos sobre acceso, propuestos por Giovanella & Fleury, McIntyre et al. y Penchansky & Thomas. Los resultados se presentan a partir de tres ejes: "percepciones sobre prevención combinada y PrEP", "disponibilidad y adecuación: perfil y estructura de los servicios en el contexto de la ImPrEP" y "aceptabilidad: actitudes y prácticas de los profesionales de salud y usuarios".

Awareness, willingness and barriers to HIV Self-testing (HIVST) among Men who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru: A web-based cross-sectional study.

HIV self-testing (HIVST) is an essential tool within the combined HIV prevention package and has been available in Latin America since 2015. However, HIVST use among key populations remains low. This study describes awareness, willingness, and barriers to HIVST among MSM in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. A cross-sectional web-based survey was advertised in two geosocial networking apps (Grindr and Hornet) and Facebook in 2018. We included cisgender men ≥18 years old who self-reported HIV-negative status. We used multivariable Poisson regression models to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) to assess the factors associated with willingness to use HIVST for each country. A total of 18,916 completed the survey, 59% from Brazil, 30% from Mexico, and 11% from Peru. Overall, 20% of MSM had never tested for HIV. Awareness and willingness to use HIVST were higher in Brazil than in Peru and Mexico (p < .001). Across the countries, the patterns of association of willingness with HIVST barriers were similar. Most participants think post-test counseling is essential and that dealing with a positive result would be difficult (aPR 1.13 to 1.37, range of aPRs across the three countries). Having the knowledge to deal with a positive HIVST resulted in increased willingness to use HIVST (aPR range: 1.11 to 1.22), while a lack of trust in HIVST compared to HIV testing in clinics was inversely associated (aPR range: 0.80 to 0.90). In general, willingness to use HIVST was associated with higher income (aPR range: 1.49 to 1.97), higher education (aPR range: 1.13 to 1.42), and willingness to use PrEP (aPR range: 1.19 to 1.72). Efforts to increase HIVST knowledge and resolve perceived barriers are warranted, especially among MSM with lower income and education from Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. Personalized virtual counseling could be crucial among this population. In addition, those willing to use HIVST are also willing to use PrEP. It indicates that HIVST delivery could be incorporated into PrEP programs within the Brazilian Public Health System and eventually in Mexico and Peru.

Barreiras e facilitadores do acesso de populações vulneráveis à PrEP no Brasil: Estudo ImPrEP Stakeholders / Barriers and facilitators for access to PrEP by vulnerable populations in Brazil: the ImPrEP Stakeholders Study / Barreras y facilitadores de acceso de poblaciones vulnerables a la PrEP en Brasil: Estudio ImPrEP Stakeholders

Resumo: A profilaxia pré-exposição ao HIV (PrEP) tem sido considerada uma estratégia fundamental para o controle da epidemia de HIV/aids, e desde 2018 tem sido objeto de estudo de implementação (Estudo ImPrEP Stakeholders), realizado no Brasil, no México e no Peru. Um componente qualitativo desse estudo foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de identificar os contextos sociais e estruturais que envolvem e organizam a oferta de serviços de PrEP no Brasil, as subjetividades dos atores envolvidos e as diferentes percepções que podem impactar a efetivação dessa estratégia. O presente artigo teve como foco de análise o acesso das populações vulneráveis aos serviços de PrEP, na perspectiva de gestores, profissionais de saúde, lideranças ou ativistas e usuários de PrEP. É um estudo qualitativo com o uso de metodologia compreensiva, realizado em seis capitais brasileiras, em que foram entrevistados 71 atores-chave no período de novembro de 2018 a maio de 2019. A análise foi pautada pelos modelos analíticos sobre acesso propostos por Giovanella & Fleury, McIntyre et al. e Penchansky & Thomas. Os resultados são apresentados com base em três eixos: "percepções sobre prevenção combinada e PrEP"; "disponibilidade e adequação: perfil e estrutura dos serviços no contexto do ImPrEP"; e "aceitabilidade: atitudes e práticas dos profissionais de saúde e usuários".

Abstract: HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been considered a fundamental strategy for controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and since 2018 it has been the object of an implementation study (ImPrEP Stakeholders Study), conducted in Brazil, México, and Peru. A qualitative component of this study was developed with the objective of identifying the social and structural contexts that involve and organize the supply of PrEP services in Brazil, the stakeholders' subjectivities, and the different perceptions that can impact the strategy's implementation. The current article's focus was to analyze access by vulnerable populations to PrEP services from the perspective of managers, health professionals, leaders or activists, and users of PrEP. This was a qualitative study using a comprehensive methodology, conducted in six Brazilian state capitals, interviewing 71 key actors from November 2018 to May 2019. The analysis was based on access analysis models as proposed by Giovanella & Fleury, McIntyre et al. and Penchansky & Thomas. The results are presented along three lines: "perceptions of combined prevention and PrEP", "availability and adequacy: profile and structure of services in the context of ImPrEP", and "acceptability: attitudes and practices of health professionals and users".

Resumen: La profilaxis preexposición al VIH (PrEP) ha sido considerada una estrategia fundamental para el control de la epidemia de VIH/sida y desde 2018 ha sido objeto de estudio de implementación (Estudio ImPrEP Stakeholders), realizado en Brasil, México y Perú. Un componente cualitativo de este estudio se desarrolló con el objetivo de identificar los contextos sociales y estructurales que engloban y organizan la oferta de servicios de PrEP en Brasil, las subjetividades de los actores implicados y las diferentes percepciones que pueden impactar en hacer efectiva esa estrategia. El objetivo de este artículo es el análisis del acceso de las poblaciones vulnerables a los servicios de PrEP, desde la perspectiva de los gestores, profesionales de salud, líderes o activistas y usuarios de la PrEP. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo con uso de metodología comprensiva, realizado en seis capitales brasileñas, en las que fueron entrevistados 71 actores-clave, durante el período de noviembre de 2018 a mayo de 2019. El análisis se pautó mediante modelos analíticos sobre acceso, propuestos por Giovanella & Fleury, McIntyre et al. y Penchansky & Thomas. Los resultados se presentan a partir de tres ejes: "percepciones sobre prevención combinada y PrEP", "disponibilidad y adecuación: perfil y estructura de los servicios en el contexto de la ImPrEP" y "aceptabilidad: actitudes y prácticas de los profesionales de salud y usuarios".

Preferences for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men and transgender women at risk of HIV infection: a multicentre protocol for a discrete choice experiment in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an important and well-established prevention strategy for sexual acquisition of HIV. In Brazil, transgender women (TGW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) bear the largest burden among key populations. Little is known about preferences for PrEP characteristics in these vulnerable populations in Latin America. The goal of this study is to investigate preferences of TGW and MSM with respect to PrEP characteristics, whether current user or not, and to assess any attributes and levels that may improve the decision to start using PrEP (uptake) and optimal continuity of use (adherence), which are important dimensions for PrEP success. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We hereby outline the protocol of a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to be conducted among TGW and MSM in Brazil. The study will be carried out in two phases. The first phase involves literature review and qualitative approaches including in-depth interviews to inform the development of the DCE (attributes and levels). The second phase entails the DCE survey and supporting questions pertaining to sociodemographic and risk behaviour information. The survey is aimed at current PrEP users and non-users, consisting of two modes of administration: face to face in five Brazilian capitals (Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Manaus, Porto Alegre and Salvador) and online targeting the entire country. A D-efficient zero-prior blocked experimental design will be used to select 60 paired-profile DCE choice tasks, in which participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups and presented with a set of 15 choice tasks. The planned sample size is 1000 volunteers. ETHICS, TIMELINE AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa-Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas-INI/FIOCRUZ, CEP/INI, CAAE 28416220.2.1001.5262, approval number 3.979.759 in accordance with the Comissão Nacional de Ética em Pesquisa (CONEP-Brazilian National Board of Research Ethics). The study will be conducted between 2020 and 2021. The results will be disseminated to the scientific community and to the public in general through publications in published in peer-reviewed journals and in scientific conferences.

Low socioeconomic status is associated with self-reported HIV positive status among young MSM in Brazil and Peru.

BACKGROUND: Despite efforts to stop HIV epidemic in Latin America, new HIV cases continue to increase in the region especially among young MSM (YMSM). This study aims to assess if sociodemographic characteristics are associated with self-reported HIV positive status among YMSM from three Latin American countries. METHODS: Cross-sectional web-based survey advertised on dating apps (Grindr and Hornet) and Facebook in Brazil, Mexico and Peru. For this analysis, we included YMSM aged 18-24 years who self-reported their HIV status. We used multivariable logistic regression models for each country separately to verify if sociodemographic characteristics (race, education and income) were associated with HIV self-reported status after adjusting for behavior characteristics (sexual attraction and steady partner). RESULTS: Among 43,687 MSM who initiated the questionnaire, 27,318 (62.5%) reported their HIV status; 7001 (25.6%) of whom were YMSM. Most YMSM (83.4%) reported an HIV test in the past year, and 15.7% reported an HIV positive status in Peru, 8.4% in Mexico and 7.7% in Brazil. In adjusted models, low-income was associated with higher odds of self-reported HIV positive status in Brazil (aOR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.01-1.75) and Peru (aOR = 1.56, 95%CI: 1.02-2.40), but not in Mexico. Lower education was associated with higher odds of self-reported HIV positive status only in Brazil (aOR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.05-1.75). CONCLUSIONS: In this large, cross-country study, self-reported HIV positive status among YMSM was high. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher odds of self-reported HIV positive status in Brazil and Peru. There is an urgent need for HIV prevention interventions targeting YMSM, and efforts to address low-income YMSM are especially needed in Peru and Brazil.

High acceptability of PrEP teleconsultation and HIV self-testing among PrEP users during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil

ABSTRACT In March 2020, telemedicine and HIV self-testing were adopted by Brazilian Public Health services to minimize disruptions in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access and delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. To understand the acceptability of PrEP teleconsultation and HIV self-testing, we conducted a web-based study during social distancing period (April-May, 2020) among men who have sex with men and transgender/non-binary individuals using social media. Out of the 2375 HIV negative respondents, 680 reported PrEP use and were included in this analysis. Median age was 33 years (IQR: 28-40), 98% cisgender men, 56% white, 74% high education, and 68% middle/high income. Willingness to use HIVST was 79% and 32% received an HIV self-testing during social distancing period. The majority reported preference for PrEP/HIV self-testing home delivery instead of collecting at the service. PrEP teleconsultation was experienced by 21% and most reported feeling satisfied with the procedures. High acceptability of PrEP teleconsultation was reported by 70%. In ordinal logistic model, having higher education was associated with high aceptability of PrEP teleconsultation (aOR:1.62; 95%CI: 1.07-2.45). Our results point out that PrEP teleconsultation and PrEP/HIV self-testing home delivery could be implemented by PrEP services in Brazil to avoid PrEP shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter as an option to increase retention and adherence.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Sexual Minority Populations in Brazil: An Analysis of Social/Racial Disparities in Maintaining Social Distancing and a Description of Sexual Behavior.

We conducted a web-based survey to understand the impact of social distancing measures on Brazilian MSM and transgender/non-binary lives. A total of 3486 respondents were included in this analysis and the great majority were cismen (98%). The median age was 32 years (IQR: 27-40), 44% non-white, 36% low schooling and 38% low income. Most of participants reported HIV negative/unknown status (77%). Participants on-PrEP reported more condomless anal sex than those off-PrEP. Conversely, 24% off-PrEP were at substantial HIV-risk. PrEP/ART continuation were reported by the majority, despite reports of impediments to medication refill. Transgender/non-binary reported more mental health problems and challenges to access health care. Social and racial disparities were associated with unattainability of maintaining social distancing. Tailored social and economic support policies during COVID-19 pandemic should be made available to these populations. Challenges for PrEP/ART access will demand the implementation of innovative solutions to avoid the expansion of the HIV epidemic.

High acceptability of PrEP teleconsultation and HIV self-testing among PrEP users during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

In March 2020, telemedicine and HIV self-testing were adopted by Brazilian Public Health services to minimize disruptions in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access and delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. To understand the acceptability of PrEP teleconsultation and HIV self-testing, we conducted a web-based study during social distancing period (April-May, 2020) among men who have sex with men and transgender/non-binary individuals using social media. Out of the 2375 HIV negative respondents, 680 reported PrEP use and were included in this analysis. Median age was 33 years (IQR: 28-40), 98% cisgender men, 56% white, 74% high education, and 68% middle/high income. Willingness to use HIVST was 79% and 32% received an HIV self-testing during social distancing period. The majority reported preference for PrEP/HIV self-testing home delivery instead of collecting at the service. PrEP teleconsultation was experienced by 21% and most reported feeling satisfied with the procedures. High acceptability of PrEP teleconsultation was reported by 70%. In ordinal logistic model, having higher education was associated with high aceptability of PrEP teleconsultation (aOR:1.62; 95%CI: 1.07-2.45). Our results point out that PrEP teleconsultation and PrEP/HIV self-testing home delivery could be implemented by PrEP services in Brazil to avoid PrEP shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic and thereafter as an option to increase retention and adherence.