Abstract
BackgroundScreening, condom use and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are among existing HIV prevention strategies. However, efficient use of these strategies requires that patients have an adequate knowledge of HIV transmission routes and awareness of risk behaviors. This study aimed to assess knowledge about HIV transmission among patients who attended a free HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening center in Paris, France, and to explore the patient profiles associated with HIV-related knowledge.MethodsThis observational cross-sectional study included 2002 patients who attended for STI testing from August 2017 through August 2018 and completed a self-administered electronic questionnaire. Based on incorrect answers regarding HIV transmission, two outcomes were assessed: lack of knowledge and false beliefs. Factors associated with these two outcomes were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.ResultsOnly 3.6% of patients did not know about HIV transmission through unprotected sexual intercourse and/or by sharing needles. More than one third of patients (36.4%) had at least one false belief, believing that HIV could be transmitted by sharing a drink (9.7%), kissing (17.6%) or using public toilets (27.5%). A low educational level and no previous HIV testing were associated in multivariate analyses with both lack of knowledge and false beliefs. Age and sexual orientation were also associated with false beliefs. Furthermore, 55.6% of patients did not know that post-exposure prophylaxis consists of taking emergency treatment as soon as possible after risky intercourse.ConclusionsAlthough the main HIV transmission routes are well known, false beliefs persist and knowledge regarding PEP needs to be improved. Prevention campaigns must focus on these themes which appear as a complementary strategy to pre-exposure prophylaxis to reduce HIV infection.
Highlights
Screening, condom use and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are among existing Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategies
Among patients consulting in a free screening center for HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Paris, only 3.6% had a lack of knowledge of HIV transmission routes, i.e. they did not know that HIV could be transmitted by unprotected sexual intercourse and/or by sharing used needles
This study found that people who attended a free HIV and STI screening center were well aware of the main HIV transmission routes
Summary
Condom use and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are among existing HIV prevention strategies. Efficient use of these strategies requires that patients have an adequate knowledge of HIV transmission routes and awareness of risk behaviors. HIV prevention strategies that include screening, condom use, needle exchange programs, treatment of sexual transmitted infections and treatment as prevention (TasP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are needed to reduce the epidemic [5]. If they are to be effective, people must be aware of these strategies. Use of PEP requires knowledge of HIV transmission routes and awareness of risk behaviors
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