Measuring sexual behavior stigma among cisgender men who have sex with men: an assessment of cross-country measurement invariance.

Objectives: Globally, cisgender men who have sex with men experience sexual stigma, but limited investigation of cross-population scale performance hinder comparisons. As measurement invariance is a necessary but seldom-established criterion of valid cross-cultural comparisons, we assessed invariance in scales of stigma related to sexual behavior across 9 countries.

Methods: This secondary analysis used data collected from adult (mean age=29.

Differences in neutralizing antibody sensitivities and envelope characteristics indicate distinct antigenic properties of Nigerian HIV-1 subtype G and CRF02_AG.

The magnitude of the HIV-1 epidemic in Nigeria is second only to the subtype C epidemic in South Africa, yet the subtypes prevalent in Nigeria require further characterization. A panel of 50 subtype G and 18 CRF02_AG Nigerian HIV-1 pseudoviruses (PSV) was developed and envelope coreceptor usage, neutralization sensitivity and cross-clade reactivity were characterized. These PSV were neutralized by some antibodies targeting major neutralizing determinants, but potentially important differences were observed in specific sensitivities (eg.

Design and rationale of the Botswana Smoking Abstinence Reinforcement Trial: a protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial.

Background: With expanded and sustained availability of HIV treatment resulting in substantial improvements in life expectancy, the need to address modifiable risk factors associated with leading causes of death among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), such as tobacco smoking, has increased. Tobacco use is highly prevalent among PLWH, especially in southern Africa, where HIV is heavily concentrated, and many people who smoke would like to quit but are unable to do so without assistance. SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment) is a well-established evidence-based approach successful at supporting smoking cessation in a variety of settings.

HIV risk behaviour, viraemia, and transmission across HIV cascade stages including low-level viremia: Analysis of 14 cross-sectional population-based HIV Impact Assessment surveys in sub-Saharan Africa.

As antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage for people living with HIV (PLHIV) increases, HIV programmes require up-to-date information about evolving HIV risk behaviour and transmission risk, including those with low-level viremia (LLV; >50 to ≤1000 copies/mL), to guide prevention priorities. We aimed to assess differences in sexual risk behaviours, distribution of viral load (VL) and proportion of transmission across PLHIV subgroups. We analysed data from Population-based HIV Impact Assessment surveys in 14 sub-Saharan African countries during 2015-2019.

Homocysteine modifies the association of coronary stenosis and HIV infection in an inner city African American population.

Background And Aims: People with HIV (PWH) whose disease is controlled on anti-retroviral regimens remain at an increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Traditional cardiovascular risk factors do not fully explain the residual risk in PWH suggesting contributions from nontraditional factors. Homocysteine (Hcy) may be one of these as prior work in adults without HIV demonstrate that Hcy may impair endothelial function by decreasing the availability of nitric oxide, promoting the development of atherosclerosis.

Comparison of HIV prevalence, incidence, and viral load suppression in Zambia population-based HIV impact assessments from 2016 and 2021.

Background: The Zambian government has implemented a public health response to control the HIV epidemic in the country. Zambia conducted a population-based HIV impact assessment (ZAMPHIA) survey in 2021 to assess the status of the HIV epidemic to guide its public health programs.

Methods: ZAMPHIA 2021 was a cross-sectional two-stage cluster sample household survey among persons aged ≥15 years conducted in Zambia across all 10 provinces.

Prevalence of depression among people living with HIV in rural hospitals in South-Western Nigeria-Association with clinico-demographic factors.

Major depression is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder among people living with HIV (PLWH) and is predictive of high morbidity and mortality among them. This study estimated the prevalence and explored factors associated with depression among PLWH in two rural secondary health facilities providing anti-retroviral therapy (ART) services in Southwestern Nigeria between September and December 2020. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to screen and identify PLWH aged 18 years or older with depression.

Elevated homocysteine levels may moderate and mediate the association between HIV and cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults in an underserved population in Baltimore, Maryland.

In the antiretroviral therapy (ART) era, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain a considerable challenge for people with HIV, yet not all such disorders can be attributed to HIV alone. This study aimed to: (1) identify factors influencing neurocognitive impairment (NCI) utilizing the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) as per the revised research criteria for HAND; (2) ascertain the moderating role of high homocysteine levels in the association between NCI and HIV; and (3) assess the mediating effect of elevated homocysteine levels on this association. We analyzed data from 788 adults (≥45 years) participating in a study on HIV-related comorbidities in underserved Baltimore communities, using NIHTB-CB to gauge neurocognitive performance.

Prevalence and characteristics of metabolic syndrome and its components among adults living with and without HIV in Nigeria: a single-center study.

Background: Persons living with HIV (PLHIV) now live longer due to effective combination antiretroviral therapy. However, emerging evidence indicates that they may be at increased risk for some cardiometabolic disorders. We compared the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its component disorders between persons living with and without HIV in Nigeria.

Determinants of Preexposure Prophylaxis Cascade Among Sexual and Gender Minorities in Nigeria.

Background: Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). We evaluated the characteristics associated with engagement in 7 steps of the PrEP cascade among SGMs in Nigeria.

Methods: Sexual and gender minorities without HIV from the Abuja site of TRUST/RV368 cohort who were surveyed on awareness of and willingness to use PrEP were approached for PrEP initiation upon availability of oral daily PrEP.

Cocaine Use May Moderate the Associations of HIV and Female Sex with Neurocognitive Impairment in a Predominantly African American Population Disproportionately Impacted by HIV and Substance Use.

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain a major challenge for people with HIV in the antiretroviral therapy era. Cocaine use may trigger/exacerbate HAND among African American (AA) adults, especially women. Between 2018 and 2019, 922 adults, predominantly AAs, with/without HIV and with/without cocaine use in Baltimore, Maryland, were enrolled in a study investigating the association of HIV and cocaine use with neurocognitive impairment (NCI).

The quality of life among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with and those not living with HIV in Abuja Nigeria.

Our objective was to assess factors associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with or those not living with HIV in Nigeria. A cross-sectional subset of adult MSM in the ongoing TRUST/RV368 HIV prevention and treatment study were recruited and completed the World Health Organization quality of life in HIV infection (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. The tool comprises physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environmental health domains from which scores were extracted.

Prevalence of HIV drug resistance in Nigeria: results from a cross-sectional, population-based survey of Nigerian adults with unsuppressed viral load.

Background: HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) surveillance is an important tool to monitor threats to progress towards epidemic control. The characterization of HIVDR in Nigeria at the national level is needed to inform both clinical decisions and population-level HIV policy strategies. This study uses data obtained from the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) to describe the prevalence and distribution of HIVDR in Nigeria.

Key Population Size Estimation to Guide HIV Epidemic Responses in Nigeria: Bayesian Analysis of 3-Source Capture-Recapture Data.

Background: Nigeria has the fourth largest burden of HIV globally. Key populations, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs, are more vulnerable to HIV than the general population due to stigmatized and criminalized behaviors. Reliable key population size estimates are needed to guide HIV epidemic response efforts.

Depression and Sexual Stigma Are Associated With Cardiometabolic Risk Among Sexual and Gender Minorities Living With HIV in Nigeria.

Background: People living with HIV are vulnerable to cardiometabolic diseases. We assessed the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) and associations with sexual stigma and depression among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: The TRUST/RV368 study enrolled SGM between March 2013 and February 2020.

Mapping HIV prevalence in Nigeria using small area estimates to develop a targeted HIV intervention strategy.

Objective: Although geographically specific data can help target HIV prevention and treatment strategies, Nigeria relies on national- and state-level estimates for policymaking and intervention planning. We calculated sub-state estimates along the HIV continuum of care in Nigeria.

Design: Using data from the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) (July-December 2018), we conducted a geospatial analysis estimating three key programmatic indicators: prevalence of HIV infection among adults (aged 15-64 years); antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage among adults living with HIV; and viral load suppression (VLS) rate among adults living with HIV.

Dynamics of the infant gut microbiota in the first 18 months of life: the impact of maternal HIV infection and breastfeeding.

Background: Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy and breastfeeding for mothers with HIV has resulted in fewer children acquiring HIV peri- and postnatally, resulting in an increase in the number of children who are exposed to the virus but are not infected (HEU). HEU infants have an increased likelihood of childhood infections and adverse growth outcomes, as well as increased mortality compared to their HIV-unexposed (HUU) peers. We explored potential differences in the gut microbiota in a cohort of 272 Nigerian infants born to HIV-positive and negative mothers in this study during the first 18 months of life.

Disengagement From HIV Care and Failure of Second-Line Therapy in Nigeria: A Retrospective Cohort Study, 2005-2017.

Background: Understanding the correlates of disengagement from HIV care and treatment failure during second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) could inform interventions to improve clinical outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PLHIV aged >15 years who started second-line ART at a tertiary center in Nigeria between 2005 and 2017. Participants were considered to have disengaged from care if they had not returned within a year after each clinic visit.

Deep sequencing of HIV-1 reveals extensive subtype variation and drug resistance after failure of first-line antiretroviral regimens in Nigeria.

Background: Deep sequencing could improve understanding of HIV treatment failure and viral population dynamics. However, this tool is often inaccessible in low- and middle-income countries.

Objectives: To determine the genetic patterns of resistance emerging in West African HIV-1 subtypes during first-line virological failure, and the implications for future antiretroviral options.