Descriptive Epidemiology of Factors Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections among Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex with Men in South India

PURPOSE:

Men and transgender women who have sex with men (MTWSM) continue to be an at-risk population for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in India. Identification of risk factors and determinants of HIV infection is urgently needed to inform prevention and intervention programming.

METHODS:

Data were collected from cross-sectional biological and behavioral surveys from four districts in Karnataka, India. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine factors related to HIV infection. Sociodemographic, sexual history, sex work history, condom practices, and substance use covariates were included in regression models.

RESULTS:

A total of 456 participants were included; HIV prevalence was 12.4%, with the highest prevalence (26%) among MTWSM from Bellary District. In bivariate analyses, district (P = 0.002), lack of a current regular female partner (P = 0.022), and reported consumption of an alcoholic drink in the last month (P = 0.004) were associated with HIV infection. In multivariable models, only alcohol use remained statistically significant (adjusted odds ratios: 2.6, 95% confidence intervals: 1.2-5.8; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION:

The prevalence of HIV continues to be high among MTWSM, with the highest prevalence found in Bellary district.

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By:  Shaw SY1, Lorway R1, Bhattacharjee P2, Reza-Paul S1, duPlessis E1, McKinnon L3,4, Thompson LH1, Isac S2, Ramesh BM2, Washington R2,5, Moses S1,6,Blanchard JF1

• 1 Department of Community Health Sciences, Centre for Global Public Health, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada .
• 2 Karnataka Health Promotion Trust , Bangalore, India .
• 3 Department of Medicine, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada .
• 4 Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi , Nairobi, Kenya .
• 5 St. John's Research Institute , Bangalore, India .
• 6 Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada .
• LGBT Health. 2016 Apr 8. [ 

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