Conditions associated with adherence to HIV post-sexual exposure prophylaxis

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze conditions which interfere with adherence to HIV post-sexual exposure prophylaxis. Method: Cross-sectional study conducted in two health care services specializing in HIV/AIDS in São Paulo city. Interviewees included men and women who were eighteen or older, sought care due to consensual sexual relation, and had a recommendation for prophylaxis. The questionnaires which compose the social reproduction index and adherence to prophylaxis were used as parameters. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests and summation of the employed instrument through programs Excel® and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences® were performed. Ethical principles have been respected. Results: Forty-nine users have been identified; their mean age was 34.7 and they were predominantly men (95.9%). Out of these, 83.6% were men who have sex with men. The conditions which correlated with adherence (p<0.05) were taking post-sexual exposure prophylaxis prior to that appointment and continuing to take the medication. Conclusion: Health professionals are responsible for establishing rapport with service users, especially during the first appointment, to contribute to adherence interventions plans.