Individual and network factors associated with HIV care continuum outcomes among Nigerian MSM accessing healthcare services

Background and setting: As data on the determinants of the HIV care continuum from key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) in resource-limited, settings (RLS) are limited, the study aimed to characterize HIV care continuum outcomes and assess individual and network barriers to progression through the HIV care continuum among MSM in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: TRUST/RV368 study used respondent-driven-sampling to accrue MSM into community-based clinics in Nigeria. Participants received HIV testing at enrollment. HIV-infected participants were offered antiretroviral therapy (ART) with HIV RNA testing every three months (Abuja) or six months (Lagos). Multiple logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for factors associated with each point in the HIV care continuum, including HIV testing, ART initiation, and six-month viral suppression. Results: A total of 1506 MSM were recruited, 1178 (78.2%) tested for HIV and 369 (31.3%) were HIV positive newly diagnosed. Of these, 188 (50.1%) initiated ART, 136 (72.3%) completed six months and 96 (70.6%) were virally suppressed. Larger network size and stronger social network support were positively associated with HIV testing uptake. Factors associated with ART initiation were higher education and stronger social network support. Having stronger social network support was associated with increased odds of viral suppression at six months. Conclusions: Social determinants of health potentiated increased HIV Care Continuum outcomes. Integration of HIV prevention, HIV Counselling and Testing services and universal coverage of ART into a community-based clinic is critical in achieving better hig HIV Care Continuum outcomes