Abstract
Objectives: Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an antiretroviral method of HIV prevention recommended to men who have sex with men (MSM) at high risk of infection. In Kazakhstan, which has one of the fastest growing HIV epidemics globally, PrEP is not currently available. The aim of this study is to explore the possibilities for PrEP initiatives in Kazakhstan by investigating awareness and acceptability of this prevention method among MSM. Methods: This mixed-methods study employs an online survey and qualitative interviews to describe PrEP awareness and acceptability. Results: Less than half (39.8%) of survey participants had heard of PrEP. However, a majority (85.2%) of MSM would possibly or defi nitely use PrEP if it was available. Awareness of PrEP was positively associated with willingness to use PrEP. The main reason to be interested in PrEP was an increased feeling of protection, whereas barriers were related to the idea of taking daily medication and the potential for side effects. Conclusion: PrEP is an essential component of HIV combination prevention. Our fi ndings suggest potential for PrEP programmes among MSM in Kazakhstan and possibly in other Central Asian nations, when taking into account burdens of taking PrEP as well as more structural health policy issues.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
