[Utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis service against HIV and related factors in young men who have sex with men in Hangzhou].

Objective

To analyze the utilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service against HIV and related factors in young men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hangzhou.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used in this questionnaire survey in young MSM recurited through local MSM social organization in Hangzhou from September 2022 to March 2023. The estimated sample size was 242. The information about the social-demographic characteristics, behavioral characteristics, utilization of the post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) service, awareness and utilization of PrEP service of the young MSM were collected. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of the PrEP utilization.

Results

A total of 273 young MSM aged 16- 24 years were surveyed in the study. A total for 20.1% (55/273) of them had used PrEP service. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the factors related to PrEP service utilization included age 16-20 years (aOR=3.03, 95%CI:1.12-8.20), education level of senior high school or below (aOR=2.83, 95%CI:1.09-7.35), full-time/part-time work (aOR=3.25, 95%CI: 1.26-8.38), homosexual activity in the past 6 months (aOR=6.71, 95%CI:1.84-24.55), inquiring medical staff about PrEP (aOR=4.71, 95%CI:1.99-11.13) and PEP service use (aOR=6.09, 95%CI:2.69-13.81).

Conclusions

The utilization rate of PrEP service was low in young MSM in Hangzhou. It is necessary to strengthen the health education about PrEP and improve the undertanding of PrEP and service capability of medical staff to promote the utilization of PrEP service in young MSM.