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AIDS Care
Psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV
Volume 34, 2022 - Issue 3
311
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Research Article

“Shades of risk”: Understanding current PrEP users’ sexually transmitted infection perceptions

ORCID Icon, , ORCID Icon, ORCID Icon & ORCID Icon
Pages 353-358 | Received 11 Dec 2020, Accepted 14 Jul 2021, Published online: 25 Jul 2021
 

ABSTRACT

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe and effective HIV prevention strategy. Given the possibility of increased sexual risk-taking and acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) following PrEP initiation, it is important to explore STI risk perceptions both before and after PrEP initiation to understand the extent to which these perceptions inform decisions to engage in condomless sex. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with men who have sex with men currently using PrEP (n = 30). Prior to analysis, PrEP users were categorized into four subgroups based on condom use behavior post-PrEP initiation: (1) condom continuers (2) condomless sex continuers, (3) condomless sex increasers, and (4) condomless sex decreasers. Thematic analysis revealed two major themes that elucidated differences in (1) the appraisal of HIV risk relative to other STIs and (2) the importance of partner communication in determining STI risk perceptions by subgroup. Most PrEP users demonstrated no behavioral change after PrEP initiation. Those engaging in condomless sex prior to PrEP initiation also continued that behavior while taking PrEP. Results of this study support a tailored approach to PrEP counseling based on individual STI risk appraisal and motivations to initiate and continue PrEP.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the AIDS Institute, New York State Department of Health.

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