Amsterdam 2015
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| Abstract #2107 - Biomedical prevention | ||||
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Session: 13.5: Biomedical prevention (Oral poster discussion) on Wednesday @ 13.30-14.30 in Poster room 2 Chaired by Catherine Hankins, Sara Paparini Authors: Presenting Author: Mrs Elske Marra - GGD Amsterdam, Netherlands |
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| Additional Authors: | ||||
| Aim: Background: Two new HIV prevention methods, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with antiretroviral tablets and topical PrEP or microbicides containing antiretroviral drugs, could help reduce HIV incidence. These methods are particularly promising for the largest group of people at risk of acquiring HIV in the Netherlands, men who have sex with men (MSM). This study explored perceptions and willingness to use oral PrEP and rectal microbicides among Dutch MSM. We hypothesized that Dutch MSM would be more willing to use and would prefer rectal microbicides, because of their familiarity in using lubricants during anal intercourse, and that this preference would be influenced by many factors including context, risk perception, and culture. | ||||
| Method / Issue: This mixed methods study recruited 108 MSM via social media to complete questionnaires. Willingness to use either rectal microbicides or oral PrEP was assessed using a 5-point Likert Scale combined for the analysis into negative willingness, I don’t know, and positive willingness. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done using multinomial logistic regression. Seven questionnaire respondents consented to participate in semi-structured interviews discussing the survey results to collect in-depth responses about preferences, barriers to using either rectal microbicides or oral PrEP, and aspects influencing the choice to use one HIV prevention method over another. | ||||
| Results / Comments: Survey participants preferred rectal microbicides that could be applied before and after anal intercourse (60.8%) over oral PrEP (20.3%). This preference was based on user friendliness, fewer expected adverse events, and less of a medical feeling. Those who preferred oral PrEP had stronger beliefs in its effectiveness, appreciated that oral PrEP use did not require sexual partner awareness, and viewed its use as easy. No predictive factors were found in this exploratory study for the choice of one prevention method over the other. | ||||
| Discussion: Discussion: Although Dutch MSM perceive rectal microbicides more positively than oral PrEP, many barriers exist for both RM and oral PrEP. These barriers are primarily related to HIV stigma within the Dutch MSM population. This stigma and its associated taboos should be taken into account when introducing these HIV prevention products, both of which are positively viewed, in the Netherlands. | ||||
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