HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Metro Manila, the Philippines: A prospective cohort study 2014-2018

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in the Philippines has been driven by sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) over the past 2 decades. As the incidence of HIV infection among MSM has not been extensively evaluated, this study aimed to determine the incidence of HIV infections and the associated risk factors among MSM in Metro Manila, Philippines. This prospective cohort study was conducted in 2 community centers in Metro Manila, the Philippines, between March 2014 and December 2018. MSM who had anal or oral sex in the past 12 months, aged ≥18 years, and confirmed HIV-negative status were enrolled. Participants were followed up every 3 months with repeat HIV testing and assessment of HIV-related practices. Of the 708 MSM included in this study, a total of 59 HIV seroconversions occurred during the follow-up, resulting in an incidence of 2.7 (95% confidence interval: 2.1-3.5) per 100 patient-years. Multivariate risk regression analysis indicated that age (P =.002) and anal sex with a consensual male partner in the past 3 months (P =.039) were significantly associated with HIV infection. Our study has shown high rates of incident HIV infection among Filipino MSM. This demonstrates the need for effective HIV prevention, surveillance, treatment, and intervention strategies targeting this population.