<p>HIV Prevalence and Associated Factors in Key Groups and General Population Treated at a Health Care Institution in Colombia in 2019: A Cross-Sectional Study</p>

Abstract

Background: Research conducted on the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and its associated factors among key groups in Colombia is scarce. The few available studies show heterogeneity in their results and increasing trends of infection. This study analyses the prevalence of HIV and associated factors in key groups served at a health care institution in Colombia in 2019. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study with the sample comprised of 5771 subjects from the general population, the LGBTI community, sex workers, people who inject drugs and prisoners. The diagnosis was based on a fourth-generation ELISA. Variables related to sociodemographics, healthcare, sexual risk factors and biological measures of infected subjects were analysed. Prevalence and odds ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals, and logistic regression models were performed to identify confounding variables and interactions between independent variables using SPSS 25.0. Results: The prevalence of HIV was 0.27% among the general population, 0.53% among sex workers, 0.66% among the homeless, 2.44% among transgender persons, 2.44% among prisoners, 5.36% among men who have sex with men and 7.92% among injection drug users. The explanatory model showed higher prevalence among men, those with higher education levels, those with no health coverage, those who have sex with people from key groups and those with sexually transmitted infections, with some interactions between the latter variables. Conclusion: A high prevalence of infection was found in the key groups, while the main explanatory factors for high infection rates were identified. The data show that national and global goals related to controlling HIV have not been achieved mainly in groups that are at a higher risk of obtaining and transmitting it and, paradoxically, also that are excluded from the national health coverage.

Prevalence of HIV-1 infection and associated characteristics in a Brazilian indigenous population: a cross-sectional study

“…In our study, the prevalence of HIV (0.93%) among indigenous individuals was found to be higher compared to other Brazilian indigenous populations, such as those residing in the Amazon (0.13%). 8 Although the prevalence was similar to indigenous populations in Peru (0.7%) 10 and Colombia (1.02%), 23 it exceeded the prevalence reported for the general Brazilian population (0.6%). 24 The elevated prevalence of HIV within the indigenous population of Dourados/MS may be influenced by various social determinants, including their indigenous status and the subsequent impact on their lives.…”

“…Previous studies have described deficiencies in HIV/AIDS treatment among indigenous populations in Colombia. 23 Moreover, patients with CD4+ T lymphocyte counts below 500 cells/mL had a lower likelihood of achieving viral suppression. 6 Notably, a significant decrease in the incidence of STI was observed following treatment among indigenous illicit drug users residing in urban areas.…”

Descripción de la experiencia de un programa de Profilaxis preexposición (PrEP) a VIH en Medellín, Colombia

“…Solicitó el tratamiento en su EPS prevalencia de VIH es baja en algunos grupos clave, y en aquellos con prevalencias más altas se registra alta movilidad y dificultades de captación, probablemente relacionadas con un contexto sociocultural de estigmatización hacia las personas con mayor riesgo para el VIH 31 .…”

HIV in Three Groups of Young People from Medellín: General Population, Organizations for People with Socioeconomic Vulnerability, and Men Who Have Sex with Other Men

“…Additionally, the research available in Medellín-Colombia generally reports the prevalence of infection in different groups, but very few analyze the intersectionality of being young with other risk conditions such as socioeconomic vulnerability or belonging to key groups. 7 Unlike the evidence available in Colombia, studies in other countries have shown the importance of investigating HIV in young MSM or those with socioeconomic vulnerability. A study in five cities in the United States in the period 1994-2011 reported that the prevalence increased in the group of young MSM aged between 23 and 29 years, it was stable in those aged between 18 and 22 years, and some cities such as Baltimore presented a greater increase in cases.…”

“…Additionally, the research available in Medellín-Colombia generally reports the prevalence of infection in different groups, but very few analyze the intersectionality of being young with other risk conditions such as socioeconomic vulnerability or belonging to key groups. 7 …”