Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in a Sample of Italian Men Who Have SEX with MEN (MSM)

Gianluca Voglino, Maria Rosaria Gualano, Stefano Rousset, Pietro Forghieri, Isabella Fraire, Fabrizio Bert and Roberta Siliquini
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Gianluca Voglino: Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Maria Rosaria Gualano: Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Stefano Rousset: Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Pietro Forghieri: Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Isabella Fraire: Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Fabrizio Bert: Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
Roberta Siliquini: Department of Public Health Sciences and Paediatrics, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-14

Abstract: Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suitable for high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection risk people, foremost among whom are males who have sex with other males (MSM). This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding PrEP in a sample of Italian MSM, in order to hypothesize strategies to implement PrEP awareness and use. No previous study has assessed this issue; Methods: An online survey was given to an opportunistic sample of Italian MSM. The questionnaire investigated sexual behaviour and habits, HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge and PrEP awareness, attitudes and practices. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with PrEP knowledge; Results: A total of 196 MSM participated in this survey. Overall data showed that 87.2% of participants knew what PrEP is, but only 7.5% have ever used it. The main reason for not using PrEP was the cost of the therapy (26.9%). The principal source of PrEP information was the Internet (68.4%). Being regularly tested for HIV was significantly associated with PrEP knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AdjOR) = 3.16; confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–9.29); Conclusions: Knowledge regarding PrEP was well established, but PrEP use was not equally widespread. It is necessary to improve research on PrEP usage in order to PrEP access to be granted.

Keywords: PrEP; MSM; HIV prevention; knowledge; sexual behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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