[Willingness of post-exposure prophylaxis and possible related factors in men who have sex with men]

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the willingness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV transmission and related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: Cross sectional survey design was used in this study. After informed consent, MSM aged 18 years or above and having had homosexual anal or oral sex in the past 6 months were recruited through "i WeChat" official account between September and November, 2019. Results: Of 1 517 MSM were surveyed, the proportion of MSM who had ever heard of PEP were 72.5% (1 100/1 517) and 87.9%(1 333/1 517) of the MSM said they would like to use PEP if it is needed.Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that aged above 25 year (OR=1.807, 95%CI: 1.090-2.995), HIV test history (OR=1.953, 95%CI: 1.171-3.256) and being aware of PEP (OR=2.163, 95%CI: 1.468-3.186) were the positive factors for PEP use, but an aware of the HIV status of sexual partner was the negative factor for PEP (OR=0.602, 95%CI: 0.407-0.890). Among MSM who had ever heard of PEP, the positive factors for PEP use included living in Zhejiang (OR=1.942, 95%CI: 1.097-3.438), aged above 25 years (OR=2.431, 95%CI: 1.331-4.439), being aware of PEP (OR=3.714, 95%CI: 1.532-9.007) obtaining information about PEP service from MSM organization/volunteer/health organization. Conclusions: MSM's willingness to use PEP services was relatively high. Age, awareness of PEP related knowledge, and awareness of sexual partner's HIV infection status were the related factors. MSM organization/volunteer/health organization were the main forces for PEP promotion in MSM.