Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and clinical outcomes among young adults reporting high-risk sexual behavior, including men who have sex with men, in coastal Kenya
Graham, S.M.; Mugo, P.; Gichuru, E.; Thiong'o, A.; Macharia, M.; Okuku, H.S.; van der Elst, E.; Price, M.A.; Muraguri, N.; Sanders, E.J.
Aids and Behavior 17(4): 1255-1265
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1090-7165 PMID: 23494223 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0445-9Document Number: 573096
African men who have sex with men (MSM) face significant stigma and barriers to care. We investigated antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among high-risk adults, including MSM, participating in a clinic-based cohort. Survival analysis was used to compare attrition across patient groups. Differences in adherence, weight gain, and CD4 counts after ART initiation were assessed. Among 250 HIV-1-seropositive adults, including 108 MSM, 15 heterosexual men, and 127 women, patient group was not associated with attrition. Among 58 participants who were followed on ART, 40 % of MSM had less than 95 % adherence, versus 28.6 % of heterosexual men and 11.5 % of women. Although MSM gained less weight after ART initiation than women (adjusted difference -3.5 kg/year), CD4 counts did not differ. More data are needed on barriers to adherence and clinical outcomes among African MSM, to ensure that MSM can access care and derive treatment and prevention benefits from ART.
Document emailed within 0-6 h
