Changes in sexual behavior, PrEP use, and COVID-19 experience among men who have sex with men in Mexico

AIDS Behav. 2022 Oct;26(10):3451-3458. doi: 10.1007/s10461-022-03688-4. Epub 2022 Apr 21.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on sexual behavior and PrEP use among a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Mexico. Between April 20th and 27th, 2020 - well into Mexico's lockdown - we conducted a virtual survey among 637 MSM exploring sexual behavior during the first month of the COVID-19 epidemic in Mexico and the impact of lockdown on PrEP use. We applied logistic regression models to assess predictors of PrEP use continuation. Over half the participants (52%) reported having a sexual encounter in the last two weeks. 75% of participants reported a decrease in the number of sexual partners because of COVID-19. The use of PrEP dropped from 90% to 64% during the first month of lockdown. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that younger participants were less likely to continue using PrEP than those 25 + years. Also, those who perceived themselves as not likely to acquire COVID-19 and those who reported using a condom in their last sexual encounter were more likely to continue using PrEP during the lockdown. This study provides evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on sexual behavior and PrEP use among MSM in Mexico during the lockdown. Sexual and reproductive health services will need to consider the risk of COVID-19 in providing HIV and PrEP programs to guarantee participants' and health care providers' safety.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents* / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections* / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mexico / epidemiology
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis*
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Partners
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents