HIV seroprevalence and associated factors among men who have sex with men in Togo

Background. - Limited data are available on HIV infection among vulnerable populations in sub-saharan African countries, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this study was to estimate HIV prevalence and the factors associated with HIV infection among MSM in Togo in 2011. Method. - A cross-sectional survey was carried out among MSM aged at least 18 years old, living in Togo for at least 3 months. They were recruited through the snowball method in six cities of Togo from November 2011 to January 2012. A survey form was used and an HIV screening test was proposed to the participants. The HIV prevalence was estimated with a 95% confidence interval. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with HIV infection. Results. - A total of 758 MSM were enrolled in this study, including 498 (67.5%) from Lome, the capital of Togo. The median age was 24 years with an interquartile range of [21-27 years] and 271 MSM (35.7%) were students. The vast majority of MSM were Togolese (90.3%) and 14.6% were married or committed to a woman. HIV testing was accepted by 488 MSM (64.3%) but only 408 (53.8%) finally accepted a blood sample collection. The prevalence of HIV infection was 19.6% [95% confidence interval, 15.9-23.8]. In multivariate analysis, three factors were associated with HIV infection: living in Lome, with an HIV prevalence of 29.8% against 4.3% in the other cities of Togo [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 9.68; P < 0.001]; having a good knowledge of HIV transmission modes (aOR = 0.59; P = 0.049); and not having a regular sex partner (aOR = 1.69; P = 0.049). Conclusion. - One MSM out of five was HIV-infected. Intervention programs targeting this vulnerable population are urgently needed, to reduce HIV incidence in Togo. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.