My PrEP Locator: PrEP directory in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: A web-based directory of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) providers in Malaysia was launched in January 2019 to increase public access to information on PrEP & provide a directory for PrEP providers in Malaysia. The PrEP provider database includes public and private clinics and hospitals that are prescribing PrEP. Providers listed in the database must complete the HIV Training Programme provided by Malaysian Society for HIV Medicine (MASHM) through HIV Connect to ensure adequate PrEP provision knowledge. My PrEP Locator is available in English, Malay and Chinese to cater to a multiracial Malaysian society. My PrEP Locator user data was analysed in order to strategically increase outreach and improve user-provider linkage. Methods & materials: There are three channels to be listed as provider in My PrEP Locator. Existing providers were approached and given a signup link. New providers who have completed their MASHM HIV Training Programme will be given e-flyer about the website; new providers who have signed up to be listed on the website, but have not completed their HIV Training Programme will be directed to the programme. User data was collected using Google Analytics. Results: Of the 20 PrEP currently listed providers, 5 are government clinics/hospitals and 15 are private clinics/hospitals, with 13 of them being general practitioner-led centre. Most of the providers are located in the states of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. From May 2019, of the total of 1117 visitors to My PrEP Locator, 84.4% were new users and most of the users were located in Kuala Lumpur (64.04%). About 52.8% of the users are male, and the majority of the users are between the ages of 25–34 years old (59.2%), followed by 35–44 year old (18.0%). 84.0% of the users accessed the website via mobile phone, followed by 15.33% accessing via computer. Most of the users were referred through social media (44% from Twitter, 5% from Facebook) and 28.3% were direct visits to the website. Conclusion: My PrEP Locator requires continuous improvement, especially to increase the number of PrEP providers in Malaysia and to increase community outreach.