Therapeutic itinerary of MSM living with HIV in Antananarivo

Research is progressing, but there is still no treatment or vaccine to eliminate the AIDS virus, and prevention is the only option. The fight against HIV/AIDS among MSM depends essentially on their choice of therapeutic routes. The aim of this research is to gain an insight into the choice of treatment routes used by MSM, so as to be able to make suggestions for halving the proportion of MSM who comply with prevention standards. Investigations involving 55 HIV-positive MSM treated in the Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Department (MIP) led to the following results: 58.2% of MSM immediately opted for ARV treatment when they tested positive, while 41.8% opted for non-ARV treatment even though they were HIV-positive. Profession, level of education, distance between health centre and place of residence and income level, as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding HIV/AIDS, are among the determining factors in MSM's choice of treatment routes.

Autorentext

Esther Rarivoharilala, Diplom in öffentlicher Gesundheit der Katholischen Universität Löwen Brüssel Belgien, Mitglied des Verwaltungsrats des CCM und des Nationalen Instituts für öffentliche und gemeinschaftliche Gesundheit (INSPC), Commandeur de l'Ordre National Malagasy und Mitglied Ravane Océan Indien.