https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4716-1293
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ABSTRACT
Social distancing including lockdowns are acceptable measures to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross sectional study, we surveyed the impact of these measurements on sexual behavior and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) use among MSM. A digital questionnaire was distributed via social media and geographically based meeting applications after the first lockdown (March–April 2020). 1194 MSM responded, 91.8% were HIV negative, 19.4% of them used PrEP regularly, and 8.2% were people living with HIV (PLWH). Median age was 34.5 years. 54.4% reported that they kept strictly social distancing guidelines. Low education, hazardous sexual behavior, moderate/severe, and depression predicted low compliance with social distancing guidelines. 66.7% reported a significant decrease in the number of casual sex partners. 55% of those who took PrEP reduced their PrEP intake. Many of the PLWH and PrEP users reduced their medical follow-up. In light of the continuous outbreak and the risk of further outbreaks in the future consideration should be given to provide continuing access to HIV and sexual health clinics.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Ethical approval
This study was approved by the Sheba institutional review board SMC-7376-20.
Correction Statement
This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.