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CDD008. A Novel Urban Clinical Service Targeting Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) - An Initial Audit of Patterns of Utilisation and Disease Burden.
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CDD008 A Novel Urban Clinical Service Targeting Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) - An Initial Audit of Patterns of Utilisation and Disease Burden K.B. Rebe1,2, G. De Swardt1, 2, H. Struthers1, 3, J. A. McIntyre1, 3, Health4Men1Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand; 2. Health4Men, Cape Town, South Africa,, 3 Anova Health Institute
Background • MSM are at high risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and are prioritised for care in the South African Department of Health’s (DOH) National Strategic Plan for Health Care (NSP) • International MSM HIV prevalence is usually higher than in the local heterosexual population • Due to the overwhelming heterosexual HIV epidemic in Africa, little is known about the disease burden among local MSM • Recent local MSM HIV prevalence studies have shown high positive rates and ongoing unsafe sexual behaviours • 20% positive in the Soweto Men’s Study (Dladla, S et al. 2009) • 43% of MSM positive in the JEMS study (HSRC 2009)
Background • Health4Men is a collaborative project of the DOH and the PHRU • Funding is via USAID / PEPFAR • Health4Men is a clinical service addressing the needs of MSM in urban and peri-urban Cape Town • Health4Men has two sites • Health Promotion Office in Greenpoint • Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s Health at Woodstock Hospital • We provide public and peer education regarding the needs of MSM. Health4Men Cape Town Structure
Methods • Retrospective review of clinic data for all male clients attending the service between inception in August 2008 and February 2009 • Data was extracted by the clinic doctor from patient folders onto case report forms and then entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for analysis • We report on: • Patient demographic data • Service utilisation and disease burden, specifically relating to sexual health, HIV and psychological problems
Results Clinic Cohort Baseline Characteristics
Results Disease Burden
Conclusion • MSM are at high risk for HIV transmission and have been prioritised for health intervention by the DOH • Health4Men is providing a clinical service platform for MSM in Cape Town • The unit has been well received thus far by the MSM community. Most clients have cell phones or internet access and this technology should be used to recruit and retain MSM in care • HIV prevalence and STI incidence are high, suggesting ongoing high risk sexual practices • Analysis of patterns of usage of this service, as well as disease burden will assist in the development of an appropriate, accessible and acceptable package of care for MSM • This information should assist DOH in strategic planning around healthcare for vulnerable groups of men.