Characterizing social cohesion and gender identity as risk determinants of HIV among cisgender men who have sex with men and transgender women in Côte d'Ivoire.

Purpose: HIV prevalence has been previously estimated among cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) in Côte d'Ivoire; however, limited data exist relating to the role of social cohesion and gender identity within this population. This study aims to examine these factors as risk determinants of HIV among MSM in Côte d'Ivoire.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling for recruitment with a structured sociobehavioral instrument and testing for HIV.

Sexual behavior stigma and depression among transgender women and cisgender men who have sex with men in Côte d'Ivoire.

Purpose: Transgender women (TGW) and cisgender men who have sex with men (cisMSM) across sub-Saharan Africa experience health inequalities relative to other adults. Recent research has also revealed health inequalities between these often-conflated groups. Among TGW and cisMSM in Côte d'Ivoire, we sought to determine whether transgender female identity was associated with probable depression, and whether sexual behavior stigma mediated this association.

The relationship between depression and sexual health service utilization among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa.

Background: In Cote D'Ivoire, there has been limited coverage of evidence-based sexual health services specifically supporting men who have sex with men (MSM). To date, there has been limited study of the determinants of engagement in these services including multiple intersecting stigmas and depression.

Methods: 1301 MSM aged 18 years and older, were recruited using respondent-driven sampling in Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Gagnoa and Bouake, Cote d'Ivoire from January 2015 to October 2015.

Physical and Sexual Violence Affecting Female Sex Workers in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire: Prevalence, and the Relationship with the Work Environment, HIV, and Access to Health Services.

Background: Violence is a human rights violation, and an important measure in understanding HIV among female sex workers (FSW). However, limited data exist regarding correlates of violence among FSW in Côte d'Ivoire. Characterizing prevalence and determinants of violence and the relationship with structural risks for HIV can inform development and implementation of comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment programs.

Characterizing the HIV risks and potential pathways to HIV infection among transgender women in Côte d'Ivoire, Togo and Burkina Faso.

Introduction: Transgender women are at high risk for the acquisition and transmission of HIV. However, there are limited empiric data characterizing HIV-related risks among transgender women in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of these analyses is to determine what factors, including sexual behaviour stigma, condom use and engagement in sex work, contribute to risk for HIV infection among transgender women across three West African nations.

An urgent need for integration of family planning services into HIV care: the high burden of unplanned pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and limited contraception use among female sex workers in Côte d'Ivoire.

Background: HIV infection and unintended pregnancy are occupational risks of commercial female sex work (FSW). The burden of unintended pregnancy among FSW including maternal and infant outcomes in the context of HIV is largely unknown.

Methods: FSW ≥18 years were recruited through respondent driven sampling into a cross-sectional study in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.