Burden of metabolic syndrome in the global adult HIV-infected population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) elevates the risk of heart disease and stroke. In recent decades, the escalating prevalence of MetS among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has garnered global attention. Despite MetS development being associated with both traditional and HIV-related factors, evidence from prior studies has shown variability across geographical regions. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of MetS burdens in adult PLWHA at the regional and global levels, focusing on the common effect size of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on MetS. METHODS: This review followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search and review of original articles related to MetS and HIV published in peer-reviewed journals between January 2000 and December 2023 were conducted. A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence/incidence of MetS and the common effect size of HIV infection and ART exposure on MetS. RESULTS: A total of 102 studies from five continents comprising 78,700 HIV-infected participants were included. The overall pooled prevalence of MetS was 25.3%, 25.6% for PLWHA on ART, and 18.5% for those not receiving treatment. The pooled incidence of MetS, calculated from five studies, was 9.19 per 100 person-years. The highest pooled prevalence of MetS was observed in the Americas (30.4%), followed by the Southeast Asia/Western Pacific regions (26.7%). HIV-infected individuals had 1.6 times greater odds of having MetS than non-HIV-infected individuals did (pooled OR = 1.604; 95% CI 1.154-2.230), and ART exposure had 1.5 times greater odds of having MetS than nontreatment had (pooled OR = 1.504; 95% CI 1.217-1.859). CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection and ART exposure contribute significantly to the increased burden of MetS. Regions with a high burden of HIV and MetS should prioritize awareness and integrated care plans for major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease and stroke. The implementation of integrated care for HIV/AIDS patients and NCDs is essential for addressing the high burden of multimorbidity in PLWHA. REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202290018.

Antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected patients had lower bone formation markers than HIV-uninfected adults.

There are limited studies regarding bone health among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Asia. We compared bone mineral density (BMD), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status and bone turnover markers (serum procollagen type1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type1 collagen) among 302 antiretroviral therapy (ART) naive PLHIV compared to 269 HIV-uninfected controls from Thailand. People aged ≥30 years, with and without HIV infection (free of diabetes, hypertension, and active opportunistic infection) were enrolled. BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck were measured using Hologic DXA at baseline and at 5 years. We analyzed BMD, serum 25(OH)D levels, and bone turnover markers at the patients' baseline visit. PLHIV were 1.5 years younger and had lower BMI. PLHIV had higher mean serum 25(OH)D level and similar BMD to the controls. Interestingly, PLHIV had significantly lower bone formation (serum P1NP and OC), particularly those with low CD4 count. Only a few participants had low bone mass. ARV naïve middle-aged PLHIV did not have lower BMD or lower vitamin D levels compared to the controls. However, PLHIV had lower bone formation markers, particularly those with low CD4 count. This finding supports the benefit of early ART.

High burden of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in pharyngeal, rectal and urethral sites among Thai transgender women: implications for anatomical site selection for the screening of STI.

OBJECTIVE: Comprehensive data on Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections to guide screening services among transgender women (TGW) are limited. We studied the burden of CT/NG infections in pharyngeal, rectal and urethral sites of Thai TGW and determined missed CT/NG diagnoses if selected site screening was performed. METHODS: Thai TGW were enrolled to the community-led test and treat cohort. CT/NG screening was performed from pharyngeal swab, rectal swab and urine using nucleic acid amplification test. CT/NG prevalence in each anatomical site was analysed, along with the relationships of CT/NG among the three anatomical sites. RESULTS: Of 764 TGW included in the analysis, 232 (30.4%) had CT/NG infections at any anatomical site, with an overall incidence of 23.7 per 100 person-years. The most common CT/NG infections by anatomical site were rectal CT (19.5%), rectal NG (9.6%) and pharyngeal NG (8.1%). Among 232 TGW with CT/NG infections at any anatomical site, 22%-94.4% of infections would have been missed if single anatomical site testing was conducted, depending on the selected site. Among 668 TGW who tested negative at pharyngeal site, 20.4% had either rectal or urethral infections. Among 583 TGW who tested negative at the rectal site, 8.7% had either pharyngeal or urethral infections. Among 751 TGW who tested negative at the urethral site, 19.2% had either pharyngeal or rectal infections. CONCLUSION: Almost one-third of Thai TGW had CT/NG infections. All-site screening is highly recommended to identify these infections, but if not feasible rectal screening provides the highest yield of CT/NG diagnoses. Affordable molecular technologies and/or CT/NG screening in pooled samples from different anatomical sites are urgently needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03580512.

Changes in risk behaviors among Thai men who have sex with men and transgender women enrolled in the test and treat cohort.

The test-and-treat approach has the potential to reduce high-risk sexual behaviors by linking high-risk individuals to health education, although this has not been proven yet. We used longitudinal data from the Test and Treat Demonstration Project among Thai men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) who were not known to be HIV-positive to analyze changes in risk behaviors during the 24-month study period categorized by three groups: HIV-negative without seroconversion, seroconverters, and HIV-positive at enrollment. Five binary risk behavior outcomes - laboratory-diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs); multiple sexual partners, unprotected anal intercourse, self-perceived HIV risk, and amphetamine-type stimulants use in the past month - were assessed. Among 689 participants, with a mean (SD) age of 23.1 (6.2) years, 165 participants were diagnosed with HIV: 115 at enrollment and 50 with seroconversions. HIV-positive participants at enrollment showed significant reductions in all five behavioral risk outcomes. Seroconverters demonstrated higher risks at enrollment than HIV-negative participants, and continued to practice high-risk behaviors even after seroconversion despite a significant reduction in self-perceived moderate-to-high HIV risk. Continuation of risk behaviors among seroconverters could negatively affect the ending AIDS goal, thus the integration of other effective preventive measures into HIV/STIs management programs are needed.

Correlates of nonadherence to key population-led HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis services among Thai men who have sex with men and transgender women.

BACKGROUND: Based on government estimates from the Asian Epidemic Model, new infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Thailand are forecast to proportionally increase over time. Daily oral Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) protects against HIV acquisition when used as prescribed. The "Princess PrEP" program is the first key population-led (PrEP) initiative under Thai royal patronage with an aim to scale up countrywide implementation of PrEP. METHODS: Retention in and adherence to key population-led HIV PrEP services among HIV-uninfected Thai MSM and TGW was examined in four provinces: Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Songkhla. HIV, HBsAg, creatinine tests, and self-administered questionnaires were performed during baseline measures. Participants were followed up after month 1, at month 3, then every 3 months. Correlates of nonadherence and loss to follow up at 1 month were assessed using linear regression models. RESULTS: 37.4% of the participants reported low adherence to services (≤ 3 pills/week or missed clinic schedule at month 1). Factors associated with low adherence included younger age (25 years and under) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.49, 95% confidence interval (95% CI: 1.01-2.21, p = 0.044), being a TGW (aOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.27-3.83, p = 0.005), and whether the participant had not previously accessed services at the clinic (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.03-2.76, p = 0.04). Additionally, participants in Chonburi (the only TGW site) showed significantly lower adherence than those in the other three provinces (aOR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.55-5.45, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Urgent, innovative interventions for early PrEP adherence support among vulnerable sub-populations such as younger users, TGW, and new clients are needed to maximize prevention strategy in Thailand.

Incidence, clearance, persistence and factors related with high-risk anal HPV persistence in South-East Asian MSM and transgender women.

OBJECTIVES: Persistent anal high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is a major risk factor for anal cancer among MSM and transgender women (TGW). We aimed to estimate incidence, clearance, and persistence of anal HR-HPV in HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM and TGW, and to assess factors for HR-HPV persistence. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: MSM and TGW aged at least 18 years, were enrolled from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, then followed up 6-monthly for 12 months. Anal swabs were collected at every visit for HR-HPV genotypes to define anal HR-HPV incidence, clearance, and persistence. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with HR-HPV persistence. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-five MSM and TGW were included in this study, of whom 72.3% were HIV-positive. The incidence of anal HR-HPV persistence was higher in HIV-positive than HIV-negative MSM participants (28.4/1000 vs. 13.9/1000 person-months). HIV-positive participants had HR-HPV lower clearance rate than HIV-negative participants (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1-0.7). The overall persistence of HR-HPV was 39.9% in HIV-positive and 22.8% HIV-negative participants. HPV-16 was the most persistent HR-HPV in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants. HIV infection (aOR 2.87; 95% CI 1.47-5.61), living in Kuala Lumpur (aOR 4.99; 95% CI 2.22-11.19) and Bali (aOR 3.39; 95% CI 1.07-10.75), being employed/freelance (aOR 3.99; 95% CI 1.48-10.77), and not being circumcised (aOR 2.29; 95% CI 1.07-4.88) were independently associated with anal HR-HPV persistence. CONCLUSION: HIV-positive MSM and TGW had higher risk of persistent anal HR-HPV infection. Prevention program should be made available and prioritized for HIV-positive MSM and TGW where resources are limited.

Correlations of chlamydia and gonorrhoea among pharyngeal, rectal and urethral sites among Thai men who have sex with men: multicentre community-led test and treat cohort in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: Routine screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections in sexually exposed anatomical sites may be challenging in resource-limited settings. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of missed CT/NG diagnoses if a single anatomical site screening was performed among men who have sex with men (MSM) by examining the pattern of anatomical sites of CT/NG infections. METHODS: Thai MSM were enrolled to the community-led test and treat cohort. Screening for CT/NG infections was performed from pharyngeal swab, rectal swab and urine using nucleic acid amplification testing. The correlations of CT/NG among the three anatomical sites were analysed. RESULTS: Among 1610 MSM included in the analysis, 21.7% had CT and 15.5% had NG infection at any anatomical site. Among those tested negative for CT or NG infection at either pharyngeal, rectal or urethral site, 8%-19% had CT infection and 7%-12% had NG infection at the remaining two sites. Of the total 349 CT infections, 85.9%, 30.6% and 67.8% would have been missed if only pharyngeal, rectal or urethral screening was performed, respectively. Of the total 249 NG infection, 55.7%, 39.6% and 77.4% would have been missed if only pharyngeal, rectal or urethral screening was performed, respectively. The majority of each anatomical site of CT/NG infection was isolated to their respective site, with rectal site having the highest proportion of isolation: 78.9% of rectal CT and 62.7% of rectal NG infection. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of CT/NG infections would be missed if single anatomical site screening was performed among MSM. All-site screening is highly recommended, but if not feasible, rectal screening provides the highest yield of CT/NG diagnoses. Effort in lowering the cost of the CT/NG screening test or developing affordable molecular technologies for CT/NG detection is needed for MSM in resource-limited settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03580512; Results.

High subsequent and recurrent sexually transmitted infection prevalence among newly diagnosed HIV-positive Thai men who have sex with men and transgender women in the Test and Treat cohort.

We determined subsequent and recurrent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in the Test and Treat cohort. Thai MSM and TGW adults with previously unknown HIV status were enrolled and tested for HIV. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and syphilis were tested at baseline, month 12, and month 24 to identify subsequent STIs (any STIs diagnosed after baseline) and recurrent STIs (any subsequent STIs diagnosed among those with positive baseline STIs). Among 448 participants, 17.8% were HIV-positive, the prevalence of subsequent STIs and recurrent STIs was 42% (HIV-positive versus HIV-negative: 66.3% versus 36.7%, p < 0.001) and 62.3% (81% versus 52.5%, p < 0.001), respectively. Common subsequent STIs by anatomical site were rectal CT infection (21.7%), rectal NG infection (13.8%), pharyngeal NG infection (13.1%), and syphilis (11.9%). HIV-positive status was associated with both subsequent STIs (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.38; 95%CI 1.64-3.45, p < 0.001) and recurrent STIs (aHR 1.83; 95%CI 1.16-2.87, p = 0.01). The results show that newly diagnosed HIV-positive MSM and TGW were at increased risk of STIs despite being in the healthcare system. STI educational counseling is necessary to improve STI outcomes among MSM and TGW in both HIV prevention and treatment programs.

Short Communication: Discordance in Drug Resistance Mutations Between Blood Plasma and Semen or Rectal Secretions Among Newly Diagnosed HIV-1-Infected Thai Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) infection is most commonly transmitted by sexual contact across mucosal surfaces. Information on concordance in drug resistance profile between blood plasma and anogenital compartments in resource-limited settings is limited. We aimed to determine discordances in genotypic drug resistance-associated mutations (DRAMs) between blood plasma and semen or rectal secretions among newly diagnosed, antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive, HIV-1-infected Thai men who have sex with men (MSM). Blood plasma, semen, and rectal secretions of HIV-1-infected Thai MSM enrolled from the Test and Treat cohort were tested for genotypic mutations in the reverse transcriptase and protease genes. Seven participants with baseline DRAMs in blood plasma were included in this analysis. In anogenital samples, HIV-1 RNA could be fully amplified for DRAMs assessment in semen from three participants and in rectal secretions from four participants. DRAMs were identified in semen from two of three participants and in rectal secretions from four of four participants. Three participants had DRAMs in anogenital compartments that were not detected in blood plasma-one had DRAMs in semen that was not detected in blood plasma (I54FI) and two had DRAMs in rectal secretions that was not detected in blood plasma (I47IM; K70N, L74I, Y115F, M184V, K103N, V108I, and H221Y). Discordance in DRAMs between blood plasma and anogenital compartments is not uncommon among newly diagnosed, ART-naive, HIV-1-infected Thai MSM. Monitoring of drug-resistant virus in these vector compartments is warranted particularly as pre-exposure prophylaxis and treatment as prevention are increasingly used as the mainstay strategies to end the AIDS epidemic.

What would you choose: Online or Offline or Mixed services? Feasibility of online HIV counselling and testing among Thai men who have sex with men and transgender women and factors associated with service uptake.

INTRODUCTION: HIV testing coverage remains low among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). We studied characteristics of Thai MSM and TGW who chose online and/or offline platforms for HIV counselling and testing and the feasibility of integrating online technologies and HIV self-testing to create service options. METHODS: From December 2015 to June 2017, MSM and TGW enrolled from Bangkok Metropolitan Region and Pattaya could choose between: offline HIV counselling and testing (Offline group), online pre-test counselling and offline HIV testing (Mixed group), and online counselling and online, supervised, HIV self-testing (Online group). Sociodemographic data, risk behaviour and social network use characteristics were collected by self-administered questionnaires. Logistic regression models identified covariates for service preferences. RESULTS: Of 472 MSM and 99 TGW enrolled, 202 self-selected the Offline group, 158 preferred the Mixed group, and 211 chose the Online group. The Online group had the highest proportion of first-time testers (47.3% vs. 42.4% vs. 18.1%, p < 0.001) and reported highest HIV prevalence (15.9% vs. 13.0% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.001) as compared to Offline and Mixed groups, respectively. Having tested for HIV twice or more (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.03 to 6.41, p = 0.04) increased the likelihood to choose online pre-test counselling. Being TGW (OR 6.66, 95% CI 2.91 to 15.25, p < 0.001) and using social media from four to eight hours (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.48 to 5.37, p = 0.002) or >8 hours (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.05 to 5.16, p = 0.04) increased selection of online, supervised, HIV self-testing. Providers primarily used smartphones (79.2%) and laptops (37.5%) to deliver online services. Self-testing strip image sharpness and colour quality were rated "good" to "excellent" by all providers. Most participants (95.1%) agreed that online supervision and HIV self-testing guidance offered were satisfactory and well delivered. CONCLUSIONS: Online HIV services among MSM and TGW are feasible in Thailand and have the potential to engage high proportions of first-time testers and those with high HIV prevalence. When designing public health interventions, integrating varied levels of online HIV services are vital to engage specific sections of MSM and TGW populations in HIV services. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT03203265.

Characteristics and HIV epidemiologic profiles of men who have sex with men and transgender women in key population-led test and treat cohorts in Thailand.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW) in Thailand contribute to more than half of all new HIV infections annually. This cross-sectional study describes epidemiologic profiles of these key populations (KP) in Key Population-led Test and Treat study. Baseline data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and HIV/STI testing from MSM and TGW aged ≥18 years enrolled in a cohort study in six community sites in Thailand between October 2015 and February 2016. Factors associated with HIV prevalence were determined by logistic regression. TGW in the cohorts had lower education and income levels than MSM. TGW also engaged in sex work more, though similar proportions between MSM and TGW reported to have multiple sexual partners and STI diagnosis at baseline. HIV prevalence was 15.0% for MSM and 8.8% for TGW in the cohorts. HIV prevalence among TGW was more associated with sociodemographic characteristics, whereas factors related to behavioral risks were determined to be associated with HIV prevalence among MSM. TGW and MSM in the cohorts also had high prevalence of STI. Key Population-driven HIV services are able to capture harder-to-reach key populations who are at heightened risk for HIV.

Sexually transmitted infections and HIV RNA levels in blood and anogenital compartments among Thai men who have sex with men before and after antiretroviral therapy: implication for Treatment as Prevention programme.

INTRODUCTION: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). There have been concerns that undiagnosed and untreated STIs could undermine efforts to use antiretroviral therapy (ART) for prevention due to genital secretion infectiousness. We evaluated the correlation between STIs and HIV RNA in anogenital compartments among HIV-positive MSM before and after ART. METHODS: MSM participants newly diagnosed with HIV were offered ART regardless of CD4 count during November 2012 to November 2015. Syphilis serology, oropharyngeal swab, rectal swab, urine collection for gonorrhoea and chlamydia nucleic acid amplification testing, and HIV RNA measurement in blood, semen and rectal samples were performed at baseline, 12 and 24 months thereafter. RESULTS: Of 143 HIV-positive MSM, 16.1% had syphilis, 23.1% had gonorrhoea and 32.8% had chlamydia at baseline. Participants with STIs at baseline had higher median HIV RNA levels in blood plasma (p = 0.053), seminal plasma (p = 0.01) and rectal secretions (p = 0.002) than those without STIs. Multivariate models identified HIV RNA 100,000 to 500,000 (OR 6.74, 95% CI 2.24 to 20.28, p = 0.001) and >500,000 (OR 9.39, 95% CI 1.08 to 81.72, p = 0.04) copies/mL in blood, CD4 count <350 cells/mm3 (OR 4.20, 95% CI 1.05 to 16.70, p = 0.04) and having any STIs (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.01 to 6.80 p = 0.047) to be associated with detectable (>40 copies/mL) seminal plasma HIV RNA. Having chlamydia at any sites (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.07 to 9.44, p = 0.04) was associated with detectable rectal HIV RNA. Incidences of syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia were 13.4, 16.4 and 18.1 per 100 person-years respectively. Nine participants had detectable HIV RNA (five in blood, one in semen, two in rectal samples and one in both blood and rectal samples) at 12 and/or 24 months after ART. CONCLUSIONS: STIs were extremely common among HIV-positive MSM prior to and after ART. ART effectively reduced HIV RNA in all compartments. The correlation between STIs and anogenital HIV RNA, especially prior to ART and likely until complete HIV RNA suppression from ART is achieved, points to the importance of integrating asymptomatic STIs screening into Treatment as Prevention programme for MSM.

Princess PrEP program: the first key population-led model to deliver pre-exposure prophylaxis to key populations by key populations in Thailand.

Background No data are available on the feasibility of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivered by trained key population (KP) community health workers. Herein we report data from the KP-led Princess PrEP program serving men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Thailand. METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2017, trained MSM and TGW community health workers delivered same-day PrEP service in community health centres, allowing clients to receive one PrEP bottle to start on the day of HIV-negative testing. Visits were scheduled at Months 1 and 3, and every 3 months thereafter. Uptake, retention and adherence to PrEP services and changes in risk behaviours over time are reported. RESULTS: Of 1467 MSM and 230 TGW who started PrEP, 44.1% had had condomless sex in the past 3 months. At Months 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12, retention was 74.2%, 64.0%, 56.2%, 46.7% and 43.9% respectively (lower in TGW than MSM at all visits; P<0.001), with adherence to at least four PrEP pills per week self-reported by 97.4%, 96.8%, 96.5%, 97.5% and 99.5% of respondents respectively (no difference between MSM and TGW). Logistic regression analysis identified age >25 years, being MSM and having at least a Bachelors degree significantly increased retention. Condomless sex did not change over the 12-month period (from 47.2% to 45.2%; P=0.20). New syphilis was diagnosed in 4.9% and 3.0% of PrEP clients at Months 6 and 12 (cf. 7.0% at baseline; P=0.007). Among PrEP adherers and non-adherers, there were one and six HIV cases of seroconversion respectively, which resulted in corresponding HIV incidence rates (95% confidence interval) of 0.27 (0.04-1.90) and 1.36 (0.61-3.02) per 100 person-years. CONCLUSION: Our KP-led PrEP program successfully delivered PrEP to MSM and TGW. Innovative retention supports are needed, especially for TGW and those who are young or with lower education levels. To scale-up and sustain KP-led PrEP programs, strong endorsement from international and national guidelines is necessary.

A novel Online-to-Offline (O2O) model for pre-exposure prophylaxis and HIV testing scale up.

INTRODUCTION: PrEP awareness and uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TG) in Thailand remains low. Finding ways to increase HIV testing and PrEP uptake among high-risk groups is a critical priority. This study evaluates the effect of a novel Adam's Love Online-to-Offline (O2O) model on PrEP and HIV testing uptake among Thai MSM and TG and identifies factors associated with PrEP uptake. METHODS: The O2O model was piloted by Adam's Love (www.adamslove.org) HIV educational and counselling website. MSM and TG reached online by PrEP promotions and interested in free PrEP and/or HIV testing services contacted Adam's Love online staff, received real-time PrEP eCounseling, and completed online bookings for receiving services at one of the four sites in Bangkok based on their preference. Auto-generated site- and service-specific e-tickets and Quick Response (QR) codes were sent to their mobile devices enabling monitoring and check-in by offline site staff. Service uptake and participant's socio-demographic and risk behaviour characteristics were analyzed. Factors associated with PrEP uptake were assessed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Between January 10th and April 11th, 2016, Adam's Love reached 272,568 people online via the PrEP O2O promotions. 425 MSM and TG received eCounseling and e-tickets. There were 325 (76.5%) MSM and TG who checked-in at clinics and received HIV testing. Nine (2.8%) were diagnosed with HIV infection. Median (IQR) time between receiving the e-ticket and checking-in was 3 (0-7) days. Of 316 HIV-negative MSM and TG, 168 (53.2%) started PrEP. In a multivariate model, higher education (OR 2.30, 95%CI 1.14-4.66; p = 0.02), seeking sex partners online (OR 2.05, 95%CI 1.19-3.54; p = 0.009), being aware of sexual partners' HIV status (OR 2.37, 95%CI 1.29-4.35; p = 0.008), ever previously using post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) (OR 2.46, 95%CI 1.19-5.09; p = 0.01), and enrolment at Adam's Love clinic compared to the other three sites (OR 3.79, 95%CI 2.06-6.95; p < 0.001) were independently associated with PrEP uptake. CONCLUSION: Adam's Love O2O model is highly effective in linking online at-risk MSM and TG to PrEP and HIV testing services, and has high potential to be replicated and scaled up in other settings with high Internet penetration among key populations.

Importance of Risk Perception: Predictors of PrEP Acceptance Among Thai MSM and TG Women at a Community-Based Health Service.

BACKGROUND: HIV prevalence among Thai men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TG) are 9.15% and 11.8%, respectively, compared with 1.1% in the general population. To better understand early adopters of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Thailand, we analyzed biobehavioral and sociodemographic characteristics of PrEP-eligible MSM and TG. SETTING: Four Thai urban community clinics between October 2015 and February 2016. METHODS: Sociodemographics, HIV risk characteristics, and PrEP knowledge and attitudes were analyzed in association with PrEP initiation among eligible Thai MSM and TG. Adjusted analysis explored factors associated with PrEP acceptance. We then analyzed HIV risk perception, which was strongly associated with PrEP initiation. RESULTS: Of 297 participants, 55% accepted PrEP (48% of MSM, 54% of TG). Perceived HIV risk levels were associated with PrEP acceptance [odds ratio (OR): 4.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.5 to 12.2. OR: 6.3; 95% CI: 2.1 to 19.0. OR: 14.7; 95% CI: 3.9 to 55.1; for minimal, moderate, and high perceived risks, respectively]. HIV risk perception was associated with previous HIV testing (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.5); inconsistent condom use (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.9); amphetamine use in the past 6 months (OR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.1 to 8.6); and uncertainty in the sexually transmitted infection history (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.7). Approximately half of those who reported either inconsistent condom use (46%), multiple partners (50%), group sex (48%), or had baseline bacterial sexually transmitted infection (48%) perceived themselves as having no or mild HIV risk. CONCLUSIONS: HIV risk perception plays an important role in PrEP acceptance. Perception does not consistently reflect actual risk. It is therefore critical to assess a client's risk perception and provide education about HIV risk factors that will improve the accuracy of perceived HIV risk.