Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) Awareness and HIV Treatment Optimism Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Mumbai, India

Little is known about Undetectable=Untransmittable (U = U) awareness among MSM in India. We analyzed baseline survey data from MSM (N = 1004) in an mHealth HIV testing trial in Mumbai and Thane, India. We assessed factors associated with U = U awareness and agreement (HIV treatment optimism) using multivariable Poisson regression. U = U awareness (29%) was associated with English survey completion, searching for sexual health information online, awareness of PrEP/PEP, and participation in MSM-focused HIV prevention programs (all P < 0.05). Overall, 50% of the participants agreed with HIV treatment optimism, which was associated with searching for sexual health information online, PrEP knowledge, and being out about their sexual orientation. Focused, culturally tailored U = U education is needed to improve awareness and treatment optimism among diverse Indian MSM.