Predisposition to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Associated Factors Among Men who Have Sex with Men in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective

To analyze the predisposition to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and associated factors among men who have sex with men (MSM). Method: Cross-sectional, analytical study, developed at the Testing and Counseling Center and social locations of the target population, in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, with a sample composed of 320 MSM, recruited by the snowball sampling technique. Data collection was performed in two consecutive stages, the first being HIV testing and counseling. The second stage consisted of the application of instruments to characterize the sample regarding sociodemographic aspects, sexual behavior, knowledge, and acceptability of PrEP for HIV and an HIV Risk Perception Scale. For the descriptive analysis, measures of position and dispersion were used. In the univariate analysis, Simple Logistic Regression was used, with selection by the Wald test at the 20% level. In the multivariate analysis, Multiple Logistic Regression with a Bayesian approach was used.

Results

MSM in the age group between 20 and 39 years were predominant 290 (90.6%), income greater than four minimum wages 103 (32.2%) and complete higher education 219 (68.4%). The expressive majority 297 (92.8%) reported predisposition to use PrEP for HIV, which was associated with MSM with complete higher education (OR = 5.56; 95% CI = 1.03-30.44; P = 0.046), having presented signs/symptoms of STI in the last 12 months (OR = 3.08; 95%CI = 1.05-9.09; P = 0.041) and satisfactory knowledge about PrEP (OR = 1.69; 95%CI = 1.01-2.83; P = 0.045).

Conclusion

A high predisposition to use PrEP was found among MSM in the sample, despite the unsatisfactory knowledge about PrEP and unsatisfactory perception of risk regarding HIV. Understanding the risk factors and protective factors for the use of this important prevention method is essential for its expansion and consequent effectiveness in controlling the HIV epidemic.