Experiences of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users during the flood in Porto Alegre.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the experiences of users of human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis during the flood in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

METHOD: This is a qualitative study. Twenty-five users participated, and data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews held via telephone, from May to July 2024. Thematic content analysis was adopted.

RESULTS

The findings were organized into two empirical categories: "Collective tragedy: repercussions for everyday life," which revealed feelings of loss, fear, and emotional instability in the face of the disaster; and "The PrEP is over: strategies and (dis)continuity," with one subcategory, "Relationship with the (Non)Service". Disruptions in access to medication, failures in institutional communication, and a sense of insecurity regarding continuity of care were evident.

CONCLUSION

PrEP use continuity was compromised during the disaster, highlighting the need for public policies that ensure continuous care in adverse contexts, through emergency protocols and clear, accessible communication.