High STI Research Articles

Transactional sex and risky sexual practices in Jamaica.

Transactional sex relationships (TSRs) create financial and emotional support for men and women, as well as an increased sexual risk. Studies have reported high HIV and STI transmission rates among young women in transactional sex relationships. However, little is known about TSR prevalence in Jamaica and risky sexual practices among participants. This study investigates the sexual behaviour of Jamaicans in TSR. Secondary data analysis of a national survey revealed that 586 participants (38%) self-reported being in at least one TSR in the last 12 months. We also identified a third category called "Benefluids", who play both roles of benefactor and beneficiary in transactional sex relationships. 59 percent of male Benefluids had two to five transactional sex relationship partners in the last 12 months, compared to 40% of female Benefluids. Twenty-eight percent of female Benefluids reported sexually transmitted infection symptoms in the last 12 months compared to 13.5% of male Benefluids. While females reported more sexually transmitted infection symptoms, young men had the highest sexual risk precursors. People in transactional sex relationships often play the role of beneficiaries and benefactors to meet material and sexual needs but this increases the risk of STI symptoms.

High STI burden among a cohort of adolescents aged 12-19 years in a youth-friendly clinic in South Africa.

Adolescents face a higher risk for HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancy than any other age group in sub-Saharan Africa, and have unique health care needs as they navigate this period of growth and developmental milestones. We conducted the Youth Friendly Services study among adolescents in Rustenburg, South Africa to address some of these concerns. Participants aged 12-19 were followed quarterly for 12 months, asked at baseline about demographics, their sexual behavior, and tested for HIV, STIs, and pregnancy (girls). Report of sexual activity was not a requirement for enrollment. Assent and parental consent were obtained for participants under 18. Some follow up visits fell during COVID-mandated shutdowns, and we worked with participants to reschedule and extend follow up as appropriate. Here we present data on reported behaviors, participant attrition, risk of HIV, other STI, and pregnancy. From May 2018 to August 2019, we enrolled 223 HIV-negative, non-pregnant adolescents (64% girls). The median age was 17 (IQR: 14-18). Among the 119 (53%) participants who reported being sexually active at baseline, the median age at first sex was 16 years (IQR: 15-17). During follow-up, an additional 16 (7%) participants reported having their first sexual encounter. Among the sexually active participants, the incidence of HIV was 1.5 cases / 100 person-years at risk (PYAR, 95% CI: 0.4-6.0), the incidence of chlamydia was 15.7 cases (95% CI: 10.1-24.4), gonorrhea was 4.7 cases (95% CI: 2.1-10.5), and HSV was 6.3 cases (95% CI: 3.1-12.6); we observed no cases of incident syphilis. The incidence of pregnancy among sexually active girls was 15.0 pregnancies / 100 PYAR (95% CI: 8.5-26.5). Despite small numbers, the incidence of most STIs was significantly higher in females compared to males. We also observed two pregnancies and 5 incident STIs among participants who reported never having had sex, these tended to be younger participants. From March to September 2020, the clinic was shut down for COVID-19, and 53 study visits were postponed. Follow up was concluded in November 2020, a total of 19 participants were lost to follow up, however only one participant dropped off-study during COVID-19 shutdowns. Retention at the final visit was 91.5%. We successfully completed a prospective study of adolescents to learn more about the risks they face as they navigate sexual debut in the context of a program of youth-friendly counseling and services. Among self-reported sexually active participants, we observed a high rate of HIV, STI and pregnancy, however we also observed pregnancy and STIs among those who reported no sexual activity.

Sexual Networks’ role in high STI Rates among minority populations

The stubbornly high and unequally distributed rates of sexually transmitted infections have confounded sociologists for decades. Why would STIs afflict minority populations at higher rates than majority populations? There was no biological rationale. Only knowledge of causation could hope to mitigate the discrepancy and provide pathways to prevention and cure. Late in the twentieth century, spurred by the AIDS crisis, the scrutiny of sexual behavior met up with the social determinants of health, resulting in the concepts of sexual networks and concurrency. This paper explores how these ideas have helped us understand, explain, and intervene in the unacceptably high and disproportionately distributed STI epidemic.

On-site testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers using molecular point-of-care testing integrated into harm reduction services in Madrid, Spain

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of molecular point-of-care testing for STIs, the prevalence of STIs and associated factors, and testing and treatment uptake among street-based female sex workers (FSWs) attending a mobile harm reduction unit in Madrid, Spain. MethodsThis was a prospective, longitudinal study. From August 15th to December 6th, 2022, participants were screened for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis using molecular testing (Xpert) on self-collected urine samples at a mobile harm reduction unit. Additionally, rapid tests were used to screen participants for HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis. On-site same-day results and treatment for those infected were offered. ResultsAmong 77 FSWs included the median age was 40 (range, 33–48), 64 % were homeless, and 84 % reported drug use in the past six months. Four participants self-reported having HIV, of whom all were on antiretroviral therapy, and 14 (18 %) had HCV antibodies, including three with current infection. The prevalence of at least one STI was 66 %. When categorized by type of STI, the prevalences were as follows: 15 % for CT, 15 % for NG, 51 % for TV, and 21 % for syphilis. Notably, the prevalence of STIs was higher among FSW with recent drug use, with no cases of CT or NG detected among FSWs who did not recently use drugs. In adjusted analysis, drug use was associated an increased odds of having an STI (adjusted odds ratio, 10.47; 95 % CI: 1.67–65.42). All participants consented to screening, and all but one received on-site result-based linkage to treatment. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility, high STI prevalence, and high linkage to testing and treatment following point-of-care molecular testing among street-based FSWs who have recently used drugs in Madrid, Spain.

2686. High HIV and STI Rates in Patients with MPOX Identified in a Large National Database

Abstract Background In mid-2022, mpox virus infection emerged outside of African countries to which it is endemic. Infections increased worldwide and were identified in 16 countries by late June 2022, with the US documenting the highest number of cases. Here we report patient characteristics and assess coinfection rates between those who tested positive for mpox and those who tested negative. Methods On July 6, 2022, an FDA-approved PCR-based test for mpox (Orthopoxvirus) was launched with high-throughput modifications. The test is a qualitative assay that uses DNA extracted from swabs of the viral rash. Clinicians were instructed to swab or brush the base of the lesion for sample submission. Test volumes were evaluated, and mpox positivity rates were assessed by sex, age, and geography. Coinfection with HIV, HBV, HCV, and STIs was also assessed. Differences in coinfection rates were assessed for significance using chi square testing with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results Between July 6 and November 30, 2022, 48,818 samples were tested for 38,388 unique patients; 12,045 (24.7%) samples and 8,247 (16.9%) unique patients were positive for mpox. The median age of patients who tested positive was 35 years and 96.5% were male. Patients who were positive for mpox compared to those who were negative had significantly higher rates of coinfection with HIV (22.9% vs 6.0%, p< .0001), HBV (2.3% vs 1.6%, p< .005), chlamydia (10.4% vs 7.5%, p< .0001), gonorrhea (13.4% vs 7.3%, p< .0001), or syphilis exposure (11.0% vs 2.9%, p< .0001). In contrast, patients who tested negative for mpox compared to those with mpox had significantly higher rates of coinfection with HSV-1 (15.7% vs 1.7%, p< .0001), HSV-2 (10.5% vs 3.2%, p< .0001), VZV (14.1% vs 0.3%, p< .0001) and exposure to HCV (5.0% vs 4.7%, p< .0001). Testing rose rapidly, peaked by the end of July, and steadily declined by the end of November. Highest mpox positivity rates were seen in FL and GA, followed by NY, TX and CA. Conclusion The rates of HIV, HBV, and most STIs were significantly higher among those positive for mpox; the rates of HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, and HCV were significantly lower. These data also highlight the need for a comprehensive evaluation of all vesicular lesions for non-mpox etiology. Disclosures Dusica Curanovic, PhD, Labcorp: employed by labcorp during study|Labcorp: Stocks/Bonds Deborah Boles, PhD, Laboratory Corporation of America: Stocks/Bonds

2895. Expanding PrEP by Embedding Navigators in High STI Testing Clinical Sites

Abstract Background Opportunities for PrEP continue to be missed in key populations. We established a PrEP navigation program (“SNAPS”) with the goals to (1) increase PrEP uptake among groups disproportionately impacted by HIV and (2) preserve and improve PrEP adherence in an NYC safety-net hospital setting.Table 1:Demographic Profiles For Pre-SNAPS and Post-SNAPS Individuals.Chi-squared or t-test approximation may be incorrect due to small sample size.Table 2.MPR for Post-SNAPS Individuals After 1 Year of Follow-up. Chi-squared or t-test approximation may be incorrect due to small sample size. Methods SNAPS consisted of 5 components: (1) Surveillance of clinical sites where STI testing is high but PrEP use is rare e.g., ED and Women’s Health Clinic (WHC), (2) Navigation for PrEP-eligible individuals (3) Accelerated follow-up with PrEP experts, (4) Point-of-care counseling and lab testing, and (5) Seamless longitudinal care. SNAPS launched 6/2019 with 2 full-time navigators. One year pre- vs post-SNAPS implementation we compared the sociodemographic profiles of PrEP initiators, their site of enrollment, and their medication possession ratios (MPRs), a proxy for PrEP adherence. Those on PrEP were a mixture of urgent and continuity care adults initiating PrEP at a safety-net hospital system. Bivariable analyses, employing Chi-square and t-test statistics, were conducted to compare sociodemographic profiles and MPR pre- vs post-SNAPS. Results We analyzed data on 274 (n=147 pre-SNAPS and n=127 post-SNAPS) individuals on PrEP. Compared to the pre-SNAPS period, post-SNAPS individuals were more likely to be cisgender women (33.9% vs 13.6%), Black or Latinx (84.3% vs 49.6%), uninsured (35.4% vs 29.3%), and Spanish speaking (58.3% vs 17.0%) (Table 1). Post-SNAPS individuals were more likely to be started on PrEP from the ED (51.2% vs 0%) or WHC clinic (10.2% vs 0%). Mean MPR for post-SNAPS was significantly lower than pre-SNAPS, 0.64 vs 0.89 (p < 0.001). Among post-SNAPS individuals, MSM were more likely to have higher MPRs compared to MSW and WSM individuals (Table 2). Furthermore, no difference in MPR was noted by race, preferred language, or insurance type. Conclusion SNAPS successfully identified and linked key populations historically missed for PrEP opportunities. Efforts to improve SNAPS should target medication adherence. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Spatial variations in STIs among women enrolled in HIV prevention clinical trials in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

ABSTRACT South Africa is faced with a high HIV and STI prevalence and incidence, respectively, with pockets of high burden areas driving these diseases. Localised monitoring of the HIV epidemic and STI endemic would enable more effective targeted prevention strategies. We assessed spatial variations in curable STI incidence among a cohort of women enrolled in HIV prevention clinical trials between 2002 and 2012. STI incidence rates from 7557 South African women enrolled in five HIV prevention trials were geo-mapped using participant household GPS coordinates. Age and period standardised incidence rates were calculated for 43 recruitment areas and Bayesian conditional autoregressive areal spatial regression (CAR) was used to identify significant patterns and spatial patterns of STI infections in recruitment communities. Overall age and period standardised STI incidence rate were estimated as 15 per 100 PY and ranged from 6 to 24 per 100 PY. We identified five significant STI high risk areas with higher-than-expected incidence of STIs located centrally (three-locations) and southern neighbouring areas of Durban (two-locations). Younger age (<25), not married/cohabitating, parity <3 and poor education were all significant correlates of high STI communities. Findings demonstrate sustained STI incidence rates across the greater Durban area. The role of STI incidence in HIV acquisition in high HIV endemic areas need to be revisited as current highly effective PrEP interventions do not protect from STI acquisition. In these settings there is an urgent need for integrative HIV and STI prevention and treatment services.

Profiles and health risks (STIs, HCV, HIV) of injecting drug users

ObjectiveThe aim of this article is twofold: to present the sociodemographic profiles of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Togo and to assess the prevalence of health risks (sexually transmitted infections [STIs], the hepatitis C virus, and HIV), the problems linked to drug injection, and the factors characterizing PWIDs. Participants and methodsUsing a questionnaire, this cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 384 PWIDs in Togo. The questionnaire focused on sociodemographic characteristics, consumption history, and known health problems and risks. Snowball sampling allowed for data collection in all regions of the country. ResultsIn the sampling, the results revealed prevalence of 17% for STIs and 53% for the hepatitis C virus. The onset of medical problems and STI signs was significantly triggered when the person was female, over 25 years of age, polygamous, not attending school, unemployed, and had been using drugs for more than five years. Moreover, reused injection equipment was shown to be associated with the high STI prevalence. ConclusionDrug injection is dangerous and results in numerous health problems. This study shows that PWID vulnerability of stems from specific characteristics, such as being uneducated, single, unemployed, bereft of parents, and having a low monthly income. Additional research is required to further investigate the health risks associated with drug injection in view of providing PWIDs with comprehensive care.

Facilitators and barriers to point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

BackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STIs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are predominantly managed by syndromic management. However, most STIs are asymptomatic. These untreated STIs cause individual morbidity, and lead to high STI prevalences.There is increasing interest in the use of point-of-care tests (POCTs) for STIs in LMICs, which could facilitate same day testing and treatment. To best utilise these tests, we must understand the facilitators and barriers to their implementation. The aim of this review is to explore how point-of-care testing for STIs has been implemented into healthcare systems in LMIC and the facilitators and barriers to doing so.MethodsA scoping review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses for studies published between 1st January 1998 and 5th June 2020. s and full articles were screened independently by two reviewers. Studies were considered for inclusion if they assessed the acceptability, feasibility, facilitators, or barriers to implementation of point-of-care testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis or syphilis in LMICs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and present the facilitators and barriers to point-of-care STI testing.ResultsThe literature search revealed 82 articles suitable for inclusion; 44 (53.7%) from sub-Saharan Africa; 21 (25.6%) from Latin American and the Caribbean; 10 (12.2%) from East Asia and the Pacific; 6 (7.3%) from South Asia; and one (1.2%) multi-regional study. Thematic analysis revealed seven overarching themes related to the implementation of POCTs in LMICs, namely (i) Ideal test characteristics, (ii) Client factors, (iii) Healthcare provision factors, (iv) Policy, infrastructure and health system factors, (v) Training, audit, and feedback, (vi) Reaching new testing environments, and (vii) Dual testing.ConclusionImplementation of POCTs in LMICs is complex, with many of the barriers due to wider health system weakness. In addition to pressing for broader structural change to facilitate basic healthcare delivery, these themes may also be used as a basis on which to develop future interventions. The literature was heavily skewed towards syphilis testing, and so more research needs to be conducted assessing chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis testing, as well as home or self-testing.

Factors associated with non-use of condoms among heterosexually-active single people in Germany: Results from the first representative, population-based German health and sexuality survey (GeSiD).

Background: Against the backdrop of rising STI incidence among the heterosexual population, sexually active single people are at particularly high STI transmission risk. Gaining insight into circumstances related to condoms non-use in this population is therefore important for developing effective health interventions. Methods: The nationally-representative survey, GeSiD (German Health and Sexuality Survey) undertaken 2018–2019, interviewed 4,955 people aged 18–75 years. A total of 343 heterosexually-active single participants answered a question about condom use at last sex. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviours and circumstances of last sex were analysed to identify independently associated factors. Results: Condom non-use at last sex was reported more commonly by participants aged >35 years than by younger participants (48.5 vs 33.7%, respectively) and more likely among longer relationships (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.43) or early loving relationships (AOR: 3.59) than in one-night-stands. It was also associated with not discussing using condoms before sex (AOR: 6.50) and with reporting non-use of condoms at sexual debut (AOR: 4.75). Conclusions: Non-use of condoms is a common STI risk behaviour among heterosexually-active single people in Germany and so needs promoting from sexual debut throughout the life course, regardless of relationship type and age, but particularly among middle-aged and older people.

Sexually transmitted infections among participants in an HIV PrEP adherence trial.

HIV PrEP effectiveness is highly dependent on adherence. High STI incidence has been reported among PrEP users. We assessed the relationship between STI incidence (CT, NG, and syphilis) and PrEP adherence. We performed a subanalysis of a controlled, open-label, two-arm, randomized clinical demonstration project of a text-message based adherence intervention. Participants had 48weeks of follow-up and had STI testing every 12 or 24weeks. PrEP adherence was measured at week 48 using intracellular tenofovir-diphosphate drug concentrations. We calculated incidence rate ratios for STIs among those adherent as compared with those not adherent to PrEP. Of the 381 assessed for CT, NG and syphilis at one or more follow-up visits, there were 16 cases of syphilis or 5.0 per 100 person years (95% CI: 2.6, 7.5); 63 cases of NG or 26.3 per 100 person years (95% CI: 19.8, 32.8); and 81 cases of CT or 36.3 per 100 person years (95% CI: 28.4, 44.2). We found no association between adequate PrEP adherence and STI incidence (aIRR: 0.97 95% CI: 0.67, 1.40). We found that the incidence of STIs was not significantly different between those adherent to PrEP and those non-adherent. Further research is needed to assess how PrEP use may impact STIs over time.

Chemsex and incidence of sexually transmitted infections among Canadian pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users in the l’Actuel PrEP Cohort (2013–2020)

ObjectivesUse of illicit substances during sex (chemsex) may increase transmission of HIV and other STIs. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV transmission, providing an important prevention tool...

Recent insights suggest the need for the STI field to embrace a more eco-social conceptual framework: A viewpoint.

A large number of countries are being confronted with twin epidemics of increasing STI incidence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This has led to calls to intensify STI screening of high STI prevalence populations. The available evidence suggests that this will have little impact on STI prevalence but a significant deleterious effect on AMR. We suggest that this call to intensify STI screening is one of the several errors that stem from the way that the STI-field has been dominated by a biomedical individualistic conceptual framework. This framework views STIs as obligate pathogens that can and should be eradicated by intensive seek-and-destroy activities. We evaluate five types of evidence that suggest that a multi-level, socio-ecological framework would provide a more accurate portrayal of the important determinants of STI prevalence and AMR spread. By incorporating concepts such as limiting STI screening to scenarios with clear evidence of net-benefit and considering 'antimicrobial footprint' thresholds, this framework would be more likely to result in a better balance between targeting STI prevalence whilst minimizing the risk of AMR emerging.

Scaling up sexually transmissible infections point-of-care testing in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: healthcare workers\u2019 perceptions of the barriers and facilitators

BackgroundSexually transmissible infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia, are highly prevalent, particularly in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia. In these settings, due to distance to centralised laboratories, the return of laboratory test results can take a week or longer, and many young people do not receive treatment, or it is considerably delayed. Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides an opportunity for same day diagnosis and treatment. Molecular POC testing for STIs was available at 31 regional or remote primary health care clinic sites through the Test-Treat-And-GO (TANGO2) program. This qualitative study sought to identify barriers and facilitators to further scaling up STI POCT in remote Aboriginal communities within Australia.MethodsA total of 15 healthcare workers (including nurses and Aboriginal health practitioners) and five managers (including clinic coordinators and practice managers) were recruited from remote health services involved in the TTANGO2 program to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Health services’ clinics were purposively selected to include those with high or low STI POCT uptake. Personnel participants were selected via a hybrid approach including nomination by clinic managers and purposive sampling to include those in roles relevant to STI testing and treatment and those who had received TTANGO2 training for POCT technology. Milat’s scaling up guide informed the coding framework and analysis.ResultsAcceptability of STI POCT technology among healthcare workers and managers was predominantly influenced by self-efficacy and perceived effectiveness of POCT technology as well as perceptions of additional workload burden associated with POCT. Barriers to integration of STI POCT included retention of trained staff to conduct POCT. Patient reach (including strategies for patient engagement) was broadly considered an enabler for STI testing scale up using POCT technology.ConclusionsRemote healthcare clinics should be supported by both program and clinic management throughout scaling up efforts to ensure broad acceptability of STI POCT as well as addressing local health systems’ issues and identifying and enhancing opportunities for patient engagement.

Typologies of Sexual Health Vulnerability Predicting STI Preventive Behaviors Among Latinx Adults in the U.S.: A Latent Class Analysis Approach.

Vulnerability to poor sexual health among U.S. Latinx populations is poorly understood, despite high STI rates. We examined how vulnerability typologies differ in their STI preventive behaviors. Using data from the 2016 National Health Interview Survey, we performed latent class analysis to test the association between sexual health vulnerability and HIV testing, hepatitis testing or vaccination, and HPV vaccination from a subsample of Latinx adults. Three classes emerged: Under-Employed Females with Health Care Access, Slightly Under-Employed Females with Some Health Care Access, and Employed Males without Health Care Access. Slightly Under-Employed Females with Some Health Care Access were associated with lack of HIV testing, hepatitis B and C testing, and HPV vaccination. Employed Males without Health Care Access were associated with lack of HIV testing and HPV vaccination. Sexual health vulnerability may be associated with certain STI preventive behaviors, which can inform and refine sexual health promotion programming.

Exploration of introducing a chlamydia screening programme to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common STI that is often asymptomatic, and can only be diagnosed through a screening test. Despite acute infection being asymtpoamtic, long term consequences of untreated CT infection can lead to infertility in men and women, increased risk of ectopic preganancy, and the economic burden of the long-term impacts far outweigh the cost of testing and treatment. Despite this, there is currently no concentrated CT screening programme in the DPRK, a region that is indicated to have high STI rates, including CT. Taking into account prevalency, the geopolitical situation of the DPRK, and the cost per positive test, this paper explores whether or not a CT screening programme would be cost-effective in the DPRK.

Low use of condom and high STI incidence among men who have sex with men in PrEP programs.

Since the recent introduction of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), several studies have reported a decrease in the use of condoms and a rise in STIs among users. This rise in risk behavior associated with the advent of PrEP is known as "risk compensation." The aim of this study is to measure clinical and behavioral changes associated with the introduction of PrEP by analyzing condom use for anal intercourse, number of sexual partners, sexualized drug use and STI incidence. We performed a retrospective descriptive study of PrEP users followed every 3months over a 2-year period spanning 2017-2019 in a referral clinic specializing in STI/HIV in Madrid, Spain. One hundred ten men who have sex with men and transgender women underwent regular screening for STIs and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral data were gathered for all subjects studied. The risk compensation observed in this study consisted primarily of a lower rate of condom use, while the number of sexual partners and recreational drug consumption remained stable. We observed a very high incidence of STIs in this sample, particularly rectal gonorrhea and chlamydia. The factors shown to be independently associated with the presence of an STI on multivariate analysis were age below 30 years and over 10 sexual partners/month. The incidence of STI acquisition was higher than expected, indicating a need for strategies to minimize this impact, particularly among younger individuals with a higher number of sexual partners.

Latent classes of sexual risk and corresponding STI and HIV positivity among MSM attending centres for sexual health in the Netherlands

ObjectivesContinuing high STI positivity among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending centres for sexual health (CSH) indicates that high-risk behaviour is ongoing. The objective of this study was...

Expanding PrEP By Embedding Unannounced SNAPS Navigators in High STI Testing Clinical Sites

Expanding PrEP By Embedding Unannounced SNAPS Navigators in High STI Testing Clinical Sites

Current experiences of accessing and using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the United Kingdom: a cross-sectional online survey, May to July 2019.

The 2019 online pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) user survey in the United Kingdom was conducted to assess HIV PrEP access, and user characteristics. One in five respondents continued experiencing difficulties accessing PrEP; users were almost exclusively gay or bisexual men at high risk of HIV. The majority obtained PrEP through health service clinics and rated PrEP positively. High STI rates were reported among users. Renal and sexual health checks are advised for those sourcing PrEP privately.