Abstract
BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased markedly in Beijing, China, during the past decade. Nonoccupational HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is a highly efficacious biomedical prevention strategy that significantly reduces HIV-transmission risk. This study examined nPEP awareness among MSM and the factors influencing it.MethodsConsecutive, cross-sectional MSM surveys were conducted from April to August of 2018 and 2019. Demographic data as well as that on behavior and awareness regarding nPEP was collected. Factors influencing nPEP awareness were assessed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThere were 1,202 eligible responders recruited. Of the responders, 42.5% had nPEP awareness, and 59.9% expressed interest in receiving nPEP in the future, if required. Greater odds of nPEP awareness were associated with younger age, higher education level (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.011, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.834–5.678, P<0.001), higher income, use of the Internet to meet sexual partners (aOR: 2.016, 95% CI: 1.481–2.744, P<0.001), greater HIV-related knowledge (aOR: 3.817, 95% CI: 1.845–7.899, p<0.001), HIV testing (aOR: 2.584, 95% CI: 1.874–3.563, p<0.001), and sexually transmitted infections (aOR: 1.736, 95% CI: 1.174–2.569, P = 0.006). Lower odds of nPEP awareness were associated with greater stigma score (aOR: 0.804, 95% CI: 0.713–0.906, P<0.001).ConclusionsThe findings indicate suboptimal awareness and low utilization of nPEP in Beijing and highlight nPEP inequities among MSM with stigma. Strengthening the training of health service providers and peer educators in reducing stigma and disseminating nPEP knowledge is imperative.
Highlights
Sexual transmission by men that have sex with men (MSM) is the most commonly reported route of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in Beijing and this group is disproportionately affected by HIV and accounts to 77.97% of the newly diagnosed cases [1]
Greater odds of nonoccupational HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) awareness were associated with younger age, higher education level, higher income, use of the Internet to meet sexual partners, greater HIV-related knowledge, HIV testing, and sexually transmitted infections
Lower odds of nPEP awareness were associated with greater stigma score
Summary
Sexual transmission by men that have sex with men (MSM) is the most commonly reported route of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in Beijing and this group is disproportionately affected by HIV and accounts to 77.97% of the newly diagnosed cases [1]. During the initial years of the HIV epidemic, condom use was the only method available for preventing HIV transmission among MSM. Considerable attention has been given to the use of cART as a strategy to prevent or control the spread of HIV transmission in several ways. The cost-effectiveness of nonoccupational HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) has been demonstrated, especially in high-risk groups [4]. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased markedly in Beijing, China, during the past decade. Nonoccupational HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is a highly efficacious biomedical prevention strategy that significantly reduces HIV-transmission risk. This study examined nPEP awareness among MSM and the factors influencing it
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