Impact of coronavirus disease 2019-related clinic closures on HIV incidence in young adult MSM and transgender women in Kenya.

Introduction: Little is known about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on risk of HIV acquisition in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed the impact of COVID-19-related clinic closures on HIV incidence in a cohort of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women in Kenya.

Methods: MSM and transgender women enrolled in a prospective, multicentre cohort study were followed quarterly for HIV testing, behaviour assessments, and risk.

Challenges with PrEP Uptake and Adherence Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Kisumu, Kenya.

Data on challenges with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence among Kenyan gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are limited. In this mixed-methods sequential explanatory design study, our quantitative phase followed 157 at-risk, HIV-negative GBMSM who accepted PrEP and enrolled in a cohort with 12-month follow-up. Stored dried blood spots collected at two intervals were batch tested for tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations at study end.

URCHOICE: Preferences for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Options for HIV Prevention Among Kenyan men who have sex with men and Transgender Women in Nairobi, Kisumu and the Coast.

HIV prevention method preferences were evaluated among Kenyan men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) from three sites: Kisumu, Nairobi and the Coast. Information sessions detailing the attributes, duration of protection, route of administration and probable visibility were attended by 464 HIV negative participants, of whom 423 (median age: 24 years) agreed to be interviewed. Across pairwise comparisons daily PrEP was by far the least preferred (1%); quarterly injections (26%) and monthly pills (23%) were most preferred, followed by yearly implant (19%) and condoms (12%).

Behavior Change and Sexually Transmitted Incidence in Relation to PREP Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Kenya.

We measured change in sexual practices and the incidence of C. trachomatis (CT) and N. gonorrhoeae (NG) within a prospective cohort of Kenyan MSM taking PrEP in Kenya.

Enrolment characteristics associated with retention among HIV negative Kenyan gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men enrolled in the Anza Mapema cohort study.

Introduction: Most gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) live in rights-constrained environments making retaining them in research to be as hard as recruiting them. To evaluate Anza Mapema, an HIV risk-reduction programme in Kisumu, Kenya, we examined the enrolment sociodemographic, behavioural, psychosocial and clinical factors associated with missing two or more follow-up visits for GBMSM participating in Anza Mapema.

Methods: Between August 2015 and November 2017, GBMSM were enrolled and followed in a prospective cohort study with quarterly visits over 12 months.

Incident gonorrhoea and chlamydia among a prospective cohort of men who have sex with men in Kisumu, Kenya.

Objective: STIs disproportionately affect men who have sex with men (MSM) in sub-Saharan Africa. We identified factors associated with incident (CT) and (NG) infections among MSM in the Anza Mapema cohort study in Kisumu, Kenya.

Methods: We enrolled 711 MSM who underwent HIV testing and counselling, medical history and examination, and collection of demographic and behavioural information.

Factors associated with viral suppression among HIV-positive Kenyan gay and bisexual men who have sex with men.

The UNAIDS 90-90-90 target has prioritized achieving high rates of viral suppression. We identified factors associated with viral suppression among HIV-positive gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in Kisumu, Kenya. HIV-positive participants in the Anza Mapema study were offered antiretroviral therapy (ART) regardless of CD4 count.

Depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol and other substance use in 1476 gay, bisexual, and other MSM at three research sites in Kenya.

Objective: Information on mental health and substance use challenges among gay, bisexual, and other MSM (GBMSM) is needed to focus resources on these issues and optimize services for HIV prevention and care. We determined factors associated with depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol and other substance use among GBMSM in Kenya.

Methods: Self-identified GBMSM in three HIV research studies in Kenya provided information on depressive symptoms [Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)], alcohol use [Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)], and other substance use [Drug Abuse Screening Test 6 (DAST-6)].

Depressive Symptoms, Alcohol and Drug Use, and Physical and Sexual Abuse Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Kisumu, Kenya: The Anza Mapema Study.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately burdened by depressive symptoms and psychosocial conditions including alcohol and substance abuse as well as physical and sexual abuse. We examined sociodemographic and psychosocial factors associated with depressive symptoms at baseline among a cohort of MSM in Kisumu, Kenya. Depressive symptoms were assessed via the Personal Health Questionnaire 9 instrument and examined dichotomously.