A cross‐sectional assessment of the burden of HIV and associated individual‐ and structural‐level characteristics among men who have sex with men in Swaziland

• DOI: 10.7448/ias.16.4.18768
• Publication Date: 2013-12-02T15:27:46Z
• Authors: Stefan D Baral; Sosthenes Ketende; Zandile Mnisi; Xolile Mabuza; Ashley Grosso; Bhekie Sithole; Sibusiso Maziya; Deanna L Kerrigan; Jessica L Green; Caitlin E Kennedy; Darrin Adams
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study

Introduction Similar to other Southern African countries, Swaziland has been severely affected by HIV, with over a quarter of its reproductive‐age adults estimated be living the virus, equating an estimate 170,000 people HIV. The last several years have witnessed increase in understanding potential vulnerabilities among men who sex (MSM) neighbouring countries similarly widespread HIV epidemics. To date, there are no data characterizing burden and prevention, treatment care needs MSM Swaziland. Methods In 2011, 324 reported another man 12 months were accrued using respondent‐driven sampling (RDS). Participants completed testing Swazi national guidelines as well structured survey instruments administered trained staff, including modules on demographics, individual‐level behavioural biological risk factors, social structural characteristics uptake services. Population individual weights computed separately for each variable data‐smoothing algorithm. used RDS‐adjusted univariate estimates 95% bootstrapped confidence intervals (BCIs). Crude bivariate multivariate analyses dependent variable. Results Overall, prevalence was 17.6% ( n= 50/284), although it strongly correlated age bivariate‐ [odds ratio (OR) 1.2, BCI 1.15–1.21] multivariate‐adjusted (adjusted OR 1.24, 1.14–1.35) additional year age. Nearly, 70.8% 34/48) unaware their status Condom use all sexual partners condom‐compatible‐lubricant 1.3% (95% CI 0.0–9.7). Conclusions Although epidemic is driven high‐risk heterosexual transmission, understudied. presented here suggest that these specific acquisition transmission risks differ from those adults. scale‐up services past decade likely had limited benefit MSM, potentially resulting scenario where epidemics expand context slowing general population, reality observed most world.