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Abstract
Accessing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after sexual risk: the experiences of homosexually active men in England
C. Dodds1, G. Hammond1, P. Weatherburn1, P. Keogh1, W. Nutland2
Background: Since 2003 the HIV prevention planning framework for homosexually active men in England and Wales (Making it Count) has recommended increased access to PEP following sexual exposure to HIV. An information campaign was launched in 2004. This qualitative investigation was undertaken a year later to describe the experiences of men who had sought PEP.
Methods: Of the 16,784 men taking part in the 2005 Gay Men’s Sex Survey, 1.5% (n=253) indicated that they had ever sought PEP. Thirty men participated in a 30 minute telephone interview about the sexual risk incident, where, how and why PEP was sought, and their clinical experience as well as their subsequent approach to HIV-related risk.
Results: Some men delayed seeking PEP until a convenient time within the 72 hour window, unaware of improved efficacy when treatment is started sooner. Those accessing PEP at sexual health clinics were more likely to be satisfied with their experience, whereas those using Accident and Emergency were more likely to have met hostility, including homophobia, and to have been dissuaded from taking PEP despite a high risk of HIV exposure. Most of those who took PEP were not rapid-tested for HIV before the initiation of treatment, despite clinical recommendations to this effect. Follow-up HIV testing at three and six months was inconsistent. We found absolutely no evidence that receiving PEP made men more likely to take risks in the future. Indeed, the opposite was observed: those already cautious about risk management continued to feel that PEP was for accidental exposure, while others described their PEP experience as making them substantially more risk averse.
Conclusions: Outcomes would be greatly improved if treating professionals had greater access to training and professional support. Those Accident and Emergency settings that do not already have protocols for assessing and administering PEP following sexual exposure must develop them immediately.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
TUPE0437
Suggested Citation
"C.Dodds, et al.
Accessing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after sexual risk: the experiences of homosexually active men in England.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
TUPE0437"
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