Limited Knowledge and Use of HIV Post- And Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Gay and Bisexual Men
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-2008
Publication Title
JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Abstract
Background: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is currently recommended after certain high-risk exposures, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is undergoing evaluation in clinical trials. Media reports have suggested substantial levels of community PrEP use despite its unproven effectiveness. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1819 HIV-uninfected gay/bisexual men in California to assess PEP and PrEP awareness and use. Results: Overall, 47% reported PEP awareness and 4% ever used PEP. Men who were older than 25 years of age (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5 to 3.1), were white (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.6 to 3.0), had an annual income >$100,000 (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2 to 3.4), self-identified as gay/homosexual (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.4 to 4.3), and had unprotected anal sex (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3 to 2.3) or sex under the influence of a drug (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.5 to 2.7) were more likely to be aware of PEP, whereas speed users (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4 to 0.9) were less likely to be aware of PEP. Only 16% reported PrEP awareness, and <1% ever used PrEP. Unprotected anal sex (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.3) and sex under the influence of a drug (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0 to 2.2) were associated with PrEP awareness. Conclusions: PEP awareness and use were modest and PrEP use was rare among gay/bisexual men in California. Although PrEP is not currently recommended, community education on the availability of PEP is suggested.
Recommended Citation
Liu, A.Y., Kittredge, P.V., Vittinghoff, E., Raymond, H.F., Ahrens, K., Matheson, T., Hecht, J., Klausner, J.D., & Buchbinder, S.P. (2008). Limited knowledge and use of HIV post- and pre-exposure prophylaxis among gay and bisexual men. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 47(2), 241-247.
