COBA-Cohort: a prospective cohort of HIV-negative men who have sex with men, attending community-based HIV testing services in five European countries (a study protocol). Issue 7 (13th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lorente, Nicolas; Fernàndez-López, Laura; Fuertes, Ricardo; Rojas Castro, Daniela; Pichon, François; Cigan, Bojan; Chanos, Sophocles; Meireles, Paula; Lucas, Raquel; Morel, Stéphane; Slaaen Kaye, Per; Agustí, Cristina; Klavs, Irena; Platteau, Tom; Casabona, Jordi
• Other Names: author non-byline.; Meulbroek Michael author non-byline.; Pujol Ferran author non-byline.; Pérez Fèlix author non-byline.; Benayoun Sarah author non-byline.; Rios Laura author non-byline.; Laporte Virginie author non-byline.; Legau Klaus author non-byline.; Kustec Tanja author non-byline.; Lobnik Miha author non-byline.; Gladel Christian author non-byline.; Wurm Michael author non-byline.; Dierichs Ralf author non-byline.; Schubert Oliver author non-byline.; Mussat Galina author non-byline.; Velica Liliana author non-byline.; Florence Eric author non-byline.; de la Fuente Luis author non-byline.; Belza Maria José author non-byline.; Fernández Sonia author non-byline.; Simões Daniel author non-byline.; Debes Nikos author non-byline.; Marcus Ulrich author non-byline.; Meyer Sebastián author non-byline.; Meroño Mercè author non-byline.; Fucek Hrvoje author non-byline.; Barros Henrique author non-byline.; Marzec-Bogustawska Anna author non-byline.; Mæhlum Thea Indahl author non-byline.; Mattioli Sandro author non-byline.; Bagyinszky Ferenc author non-byline.; Cosmaro Maria Luisa author non-byline.; Stoniene Loreta author non-byline.; Caylà Joan author non-byline.; Voudouri Nicky author non-byline.; Murphy Jasmine author non-byline.; Nardone Anthony author non-byline.; Sobolev Igor author non-byline.; Upmace Inga author non-byline.; Skundric Aleksandar author non-byline.; Rodríguez Jorge Alvarez author non-byline.; Rafel Anna author non-byline.; Poljak Mario author non-byline.;
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 6:Issue 7(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-07-13
• Subjects: Men who have sex with men -- Community-based HIV testing -- HIV-negative cohort -- Sexual behaviour -- HIV incidence; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011314
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Community-based voluntary counselling and testing (CBVCT) services for men who have sex with men (MSM) can reach those most-at-risk and provide an environment for gay men that is likely to be non-stigmatising. Longitudinal data on the behaviour of HIV-negative MSM are scarce in Europe. The aim of this protocol, developed during the Euro HIV Early Diagnosis And Treatment (EDAT) project, is to implement a multicentre community-based cohort of HIV-negative MSM attending 15 CBVCT services in 5 European countries. Research objectives: (1) To describe the patterns of CBVCT use, (2) to estimate HIV incidence, and to identify determinants of (3) HIV seroconversion and (4) HIV and/or sexually transmitted infection (STI) test-seeking behaviour. Methods and analysis: All MSM aged 18 years or over and who had a negative HIV test result are invited to participate in the COmmunity-BAsed Cohort (COBA-Cohort). Study enrolment started in February 2015, and is due to continue for at least 12 months at each study site. Follow-up frequency depends on the testing recommendations in each country (at least 1 test per year). Sociodemographic data are collected at baseline; baseline and follow-up questionnaires both gather data on attitudes and perceptions, discrimination, HIV/STI testing history, sexual behaviour, condom use, and pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. Descriptive, exploratory and multivariate analyses will be performed to address the main research objectives of this study, using appropriate statistical tests and models. These analyses will be performed on the whole cohort data and stratified by study site or country. Ethics and dissemination: The study was approved by the Public Health authorities of each country where the study is being implemented. Findings from the COBA-Cohort study will be summarised in a report to the European Commission, and in leaflets to be distributed to study participants. Articles and conference abstracts will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and conferences.