Abstract
Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suitable for high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection risk people, foremost among whom are males who have sex with other males (MSM). This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding PrEP in a sample of Italian MSM, in order to hypothesize strategies to implement PrEP awareness and use. No previous study has assessed this issue; Methods: An online survey was given to an opportunistic sample of Italian MSM. The questionnaire investigated sexual behaviour and habits, HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge and PrEP awareness, attitudes and practices. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with PrEP knowledge; Results: A total of 196 MSM participated in this survey. Overall data showed that 87.2% of participants knew what PrEP is, but only 7.5% have ever used it. The main reason for not using PrEP was the cost of the therapy (26.9%). The principal source of PrEP information was the Internet (68.4%). Being regularly tested for HIV was significantly associated with PrEP knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AdjOR) = 3.16; confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–9.29); Conclusions: Knowledge regarding PrEP was well established, but PrEP use was not equally widespread. It is necessary to improve research on PrEP usage in order to PrEP access to be granted.
Highlights
Published: 29 April 2021The incidence rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Italy has not changed since 2015 (5.7 new cases per 100,000 persons) similar to the European mean (5.8 new cases per 100,000 persons)
It is possible that MSM regularly undergoing HIV testing indulge in risky behaviours and consider themselves at risk for HIV infection. These results suggest that among MSM with an increased HIV risk the knowledge of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is higher
The principal obstacles against PrEP use were the high cost of the therapy, the fear of collateral effects and the feeling of not being a subject at risk of HIV infection
Summary
Published: 29 April 2021The incidence rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Italy has not changed since 2015 (5.7 new cases per 100,000 persons) similar to the European mean (5.8 new cases per 100,000 persons). The MSM population is, at high risk of HIV contagion, and adequate campaigns of information and prevention are needed. The prophylaxis is an association of two different antiretroviral drugs (tenofovir/emtricitabine). It has to be taken immediately before a high-HIV-risk sexual act or behaviour, or on a daily basis. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suitable for high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection risk people, foremost among whom are males who have sex with other males (MSM). This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding PrEP in a sample of Italian MSM, in order to hypothesize strategies to implement PrEP awareness and use. The questionnaire investigated sexual behaviour and habits, HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge and PrEP awareness, attitudes and practices.
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