[Prevalence of HIV, syphilis and factors associated with HIV infection among men who have sex with men and among female sex workers in Togo in 2022].

Abstract

Introduction: Data on HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa show high prevalences in key populations. The objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and factors associated with HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSW) in Togo.

Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study targeting MSM and FSW in the 6 health regions of Togo in 2022. Respondent-Driving Sampling (RDS) was used. Sociobehavioral, HIV and syphilis seroprevalence data were collected and expressed as percentages of balanced risks.

Results: A total of 2 110 MSM and 3 221 FSW were included in our study. Half of the MSM (53.3%) and FSW (49.7%) were aged between 15 and 24 years. The weighted prevalence of HIV was estimated at 8.7% (95% CI: 7.5%-9.9%) among MSM and 5.8% (95% CI: 5%-6.6%) among FSW. Syphilis incidence was 0.6% (95% CI: 0.3%-0.9%) and 0.2% (95% CI: 0%-0.3%), respectively in MSM and FSW. In multivariate analysis, MSM with: an age over 25 years (OR = 1.71; 1,96: p = 10^-8); a notion of condom tear in the last twelve months (OR = 1.26: p = 0.001), and more than two male sexual partners in the last six months (OR = 1.96: p = 10^-7), would be at greater risk of contracting HIV. FSW with at least one sign of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the last six months were at greater risk of contracting HIV than those with no sign of STI (OR = 1.24: p = 10^-7).

Conclusion: The results of our study show that HIV prevalence is high in Togo among MSM and FSW. Efforts must be redoubled to create a more favorable socio-cultural and legal environment for these populations in order to achieve a greater impact from HIV control interventions.