314 Socio-demographic, behavioral and clinical characteristics of newly HIV-1 diagnosed migrants in Portugal between 2014 and 2019

Abstract OP 11: Determinants of Health Disease and Interventions 3, B207 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 17:00 - 18:00 Background HIV remains a significant global public health concern. Portugal has an important HIV burden, with a total of 804 diagnosed cases in 2022. Migrants remain a significant source of HIV infections, with 45% of newly reported cases. Therefore, we aimed to characterize newly HIV-1 diagnosed migrants in Portugal between 2014 and 2019 Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study on 265 newly HIV-1 positive migrants, defined as individuals born outside Portugal. Patients were part of the BESTHOPE study developed in 17 Portuguese hospitals between 2014–2019. Data were collected through socio-demographic and behavioral questionnaires and clinical questionnaires filled in by the clinicians. Results Most HIV-1 positive individuals were men (66.8%) with a median age of 36 years (IQR: 29–45). Most of the migrants were from Portuguese-speaking African countries (50.6%) or Brazil (39.6%). Among those sexually active in the past year (n = 178), 28.1% engaged in unprotected sex with a regular partner, 14.1% with an occasional partner, and 30.0% with sex workers. Alcohol and illicit drug use were reported by 48.5% and 23.6%, respectively. Most (47.3%) believed they were infected 1–5 years ago, and 63.9% suspected infection occurred in Portugal. Sexual transmission was reported in 96% of cases. STIs other than HIV were present in 25.5%. The median CD4 count at diagnosis was 329 cells/μL (IQR: 158.75–505), with 55.0% classified as late presenters (CD4<350 cells/μL). Most identified as heterosexual (59.3%) or MSM (38.8%), while 0.8% were injecting drug users. Conclusion Targeted public health strategies are crucial to address HIV among migrants in Portugal. Early diagnosis, improved healthcare access, and culturally tailored prevention efforts—such as sexual health education, condom distribution, and harm reduction—are essential. Strengthening HIV testing and migrant-friendly services can help reduce transmission and improve health outcomes.