Correlates of viral suppression among HIV-infected men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru

AIDS Care. 2018 Nov;30(11):1341-1350. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1476657. Epub 2018 May 30.

Abstract

In Peru, HIV is concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). Between June 2015 and August 2016, 591 HIV-positive MSM and TGW were recruited at five clinical care sites in Lima, Peru. We found that 82.4% of the participants had achieved viral suppression (VS; VL < 200) and 73.6% had achieved maximal viral suppression (MVS; VL < 50). Multivariable modeling indicated that patients reporting transportation as a barrier to HIV care were less likely to achieve VS (aOR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.30-0.75) and MVS (aOR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.37-0.84). Alcohol use disorders were negatively associated with MVS (aOR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.30-0.75) and age was positively associated with achieving MVS (aOR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.04-1.59). These findings underscore the need for more accessible HIV care with integrated behavioral health services in Lima, Peru.

Keywords: HIV; Latin America; men who have sex with men; transgender women; viral suppression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peru
  • Transgender Persons*
  • Viral Load*