Abstract
Introduction:The global revolution of online social media and connectivity had a tremendous effect on sexual behavior in both developed and developing countries. This global change is influencing the societal structure and existing social principles. Moreover, it has a significant impact on the epidemiology of different infectious diseases, especially HIV.Discussion:India is one of the most diverse democratic countries that has undergone a social-cultural transition in the last decade. However, having the second-highest HIV infection rate in the world, India does not have any other new prevention tools in their national HIV prevention strategy. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a boon of HIV prevention widely used in different countries, is still not implemented in India. The concept of “Digital India” by the Government of India is giving wide access of internet to the people of India. Furthermore, people are exposed to social media, and that is impacting their sex seeking behavior. Interestingly, recent legal changes in India promotes sex positivity. It also calls for introspection on existing HIV preventive strategies.Conclusions:Given the current scenario of PrEP and other existing preventive measurements of HIV, further research is needed to determine the acceptance and efficacy of PrEP and improve engagement in care for individuals in India. Various international studies recommend effective implication of PrEP to reduce the rate and economic burden of HIV infection.
Highlights
The global revolution of online social media and connectivity had a tremendous effect on sexual behavior in both developed and developing countries
The two drug fixed-dose combination therapy with emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) became the first to be used as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), known as Truvada, and was approved by USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2012 for high risk groups[5]
Prior to the FDA licensure there was a series of meta-analyses of studies on PrEP that had been done on high risk groups, i.e. those who are vulnerable to HIV infections
Summary
HIV infection is a significant public health burden in India, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is still an alien concept. The global sexual renaissance[2] has changed societal attitude towards consensual online sex. In India, online dating applications and websites are widely used, and the pattern of sex-seeking behavior has drastically changed in the last few years[3]. Policy makers need to take into consideration behavioral responses to changes in the cost of disease and implement strategies that are holistic and long-sighted. This paper will review these changes and how they impinge upon and, by so doing, help the policy makers and clinicians to identify the need of PrEP and address these issues in a culturally sensitive way
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
