scholarly journals Characterizing Awareness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Manila and Cebu, Philippines: Web-Based Survey of Filipino Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men

10.2196/24126 ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. e24126
Author(s):  
Arjee Restar ◽  
Anthony Surace ◽  
Alexander Adia ◽  
William Goedel ◽  
Adedotun Ogunbajo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
College Education ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Background The Philippines is experiencing an HIV crisis and is considering implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a national public health strategy for HIV prevention for cisgender men who have sex with men (cis-MSM). However, critical information on the awareness of PrEP among cis-MSM is needed to roll out this public health initiative. Objective This study aims to assess PrEP awareness and related correlates (ie, sociodemographic variables, social factors, and health care access and use) among Filipino cis-MSM. Methods We conducted a web-based survey with Filipino cis-MSM (n=179) residing in the cities of Manila and Cebu, Philippines. Multivariable analysis procedures were performed to examine the factors associated with PrEP awareness. Results Our sample demonstrated high awareness (134/179, 74.9%) and interest (159/179, 88.8%) in taking PrEP. The adjusted model showed that greater odds of PrEP awareness were associated with having a college education or higher versus a high school education or lower (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.30, 95% CI 1.01-52.47), earning between PHP 10,000 (US $198.6) and PHP 20,000 (US $397.2) versus <PHP 10,000 (US $198.60; aOR 9.32, 95% CI 1.41-6.22), having had a prior HIV test (aOR 6.06, 95% CI 1.20-13.55), having high HIV knowledge (aOR 3.50, 95% CI 1.11-10.98), and having friends who discussed PrEP (aOR 11.17, 95% CI 2.73-14.5). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that Filipino cis-MSM are aware of and interested in taking PrEP, but there is currently an unmet need for such biomedical HIV prevention technologies among this population. Incorporating PrEP education into routine HIV screening and leveraging cis-MSM social networks may be useful in optimizing potential PrEP implementation in the Philippines.

scholarly journals Characterizing Awareness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Manila and Cebu, Philippines: Web-Based Survey of Filipino Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjee Restar ◽  
Anthony Surace ◽  
Alexander Adia ◽  
William Goedel ◽  
Adedotun Ogunbajo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
College Education ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

BACKGROUND The Philippines is experiencing an HIV crisis and is considering implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a national public health strategy for HIV prevention for cisgender men who have sex with men (cis-MSM). However, critical information on the awareness of PrEP among cis-MSM is needed to roll out this public health initiative. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess PrEP awareness and related correlates (ie, sociodemographic variables, social factors, and health care access and use) among Filipino cis-MSM. METHODS We conducted a web-based survey with Filipino cis-MSM (n=179) residing in the cities of Manila and Cebu, Philippines. Multivariable analysis procedures were performed to examine the factors associated with PrEP awareness. RESULTS Our sample demonstrated high awareness (134/179, 74.9%) and interest (159/179, 88.8%) in taking PrEP. The adjusted model showed that greater odds of PrEP awareness were associated with having a college education or higher versus a high school education or lower (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.30, 95% CI 1.01-52.47), earning between PHP 10,000 (US $198.6) and PHP 20,000 (US $397.2) versus &lt;PHP 10,000 (US $198.60; aOR 9.32, 95% CI 1.41-6.22), having had a prior HIV test (aOR 6.06, 95% CI 1.20-13.55), having high HIV knowledge (aOR 3.50, 95% CI 1.11-10.98), and having friends who discussed PrEP (aOR 11.17, 95% CI 2.73-14.5). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that Filipino cis-MSM are aware of and interested in taking PrEP, but there is currently an unmet need for such biomedical HIV prevention technologies among this population. Incorporating PrEP education into routine HIV screening and leveraging cis-MSM social networks may be useful in optimizing potential PrEP implementation in the Philippines.

scholarly journals A Web-Based Study of HIV Prevention in the Era of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Vulnerable HIV-Negative Gay and Bisexual Men, Transmen, and Transwomen Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for an Observational Cohort Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Nash ◽  
Matthew Stief ◽  
Caitlin MacCrate ◽  
Chloe Mirzayi ◽  
Viraj V Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Racially Diverse ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Acquisition ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Hiv Negative

BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men continue to bear a large burden of the HIV epidemic in the United States and are among the only populations with increasing incidence in recent years. OBJECTIVE The Together 5000 (T5K) Study aimed to enroll a US-based, racially diverse sample of HIV-negative men, transmen, and transwomen who are not on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) into an observational cohort to inform the design, implementation, scale-up, and evaluation of HIV prevention programs. METHODS We used internet-based strategies to enroll a large, racially diverse national sample of HIV-negative men, transmen, and transwomen aged 16 to 49 years at high risk of HIV acquisition via sexual networking apps. Study participants are contacted every 6 months (in between annual surveys) for a brief survey on HIV testing, HIV diagnosis, and PrEP use (ie, attempts to access, PrEP initiation, and PrEP discontinuation). Participants complete annual self-administered at-home HIV testing and Web-based surveys. Using baseline serologic data and self-reported HIV testing history, we reconstructed a cohort of persons who were HIV negative at 12 months before baseline to estimate HIV incidence leading up to cohort enrollment. RESULTS The study sample included 8777 participants from all 50 US states, Puerto Rico, and Guam; 50.91% (4468/8777) were persons of color and 25.30% (2221/8777) were young individuals aged 16 to 24 years. Per eligibility criteria, all T5K participants reported having sex with >2 male partners in the 90 days before enrollment, self-reported not having been diagnosed with HIV, and were not actively taking PrEP. In addition, 79.39% (6968/8777) reported >2 insertive condomless anal sex (CAS) acts, 61.02% (5356/8777) reported >1 receptive CAS acts in the past 90 days. Furthermore, most (7525/8777, 85.74%) reported never having taken PrEP. In total, 70.25% (6166/8777) were sent a self-administered at-home HIV test kit and 82.29% (5074/6166) of those sent a kit returned a sample for testing. The HIV incidence rate during the 12-month period leading up to enrollment was estimated to be 2.41 (95% CI 2.02-2.90) per 100 person-years. CONCLUSIONS A large, national, and racially diverse fully Web-based cohort of HIV-negative men, transmen, and transwomen at high risk for HIV seroconversion has successfully been recruited into longitudinal follow-up. This cohort is at high risk for HIV acquisition and can provide important insights related to the real-world uptake, impact, and equity of HIV prevention interventions in the United States. Participants can be invited to participate in trials aimed at testing strategies to improve the uptake of and engagement in these interventions. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR1-10.2196/13715

scholarly journals Comparing Web-Based Platforms for Promoting HIV Self-Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake in High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shea M Lemley ◽  
Jeffrey D Klausner ◽  
Sean D Young ◽  
Chrysovalantis Stafylis ◽  
Caroline Mulatya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Dating Apps ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

BACKGROUND The majority of those living with HIV in the United States are men who have sex with men (MSM), and young, minority MSM account for more new HIV infections than any other group. HIV transmission can be reduced through detection and early treatment initiation or by starting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but rates of testing are lower than recommended among MSM, and PrEP uptake has been slow. Although promoting HIV testing and PrEP uptake by placing advertisements on web-based platforms — such as social media websites and dating apps — is a promising approach for promoting HIV testing and PrEP, the relative effectiveness of HIV prevention advertising on common web-based platforms is underexamined. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the relative effectiveness of advertisements placed on 3 types of web-based platforms (social media websites, dating apps, and informational websites) for promoting HIV self-testing and PrEP uptake. METHODS Advertisements will be placed on social media websites (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), dating apps (Grindr, Jack’d, and Hornet), and informational search websites (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) to recruit approximately 400 young (18-30 years old), minority (Black or Latino) MSM at elevated risk of HIV exposure. Recruitment will occur in 3 waves, with each wave running advertisements on 1 website from each type of platform. The number of participants per platform is not prespecified, and recruitment in each wave will occur until approximately 133 HIV self-tests are ordered. Participants will complete a baseline survey assessing risk behavior, substance use, psychological readiness to test, and attitudes and then receive an electronic code to order a free home-based HIV self-test kit. Two follow-ups are planned to assess HIV self-test results and PrEP uptake. RESULTS Recruitment was completed in July 2020. CONCLUSIONS Findings may improve our understanding of how the platform users’ receptivity to test for HIV differs across web-based platforms and thus may assist in facilitating web-based HIV prevention campaigns. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04155502; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04155502 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/20417

scholarly journals Outcomes of A Community-Led Web-Based HIV Self-Testing Demonstration Among Cisgender Men Who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in the Philippines During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick C. Eustaquio ◽  
Roberto Figuracion ◽  
Kiyohiko Izumi ◽  
Mary Joy Morin ◽  
Kenneth Samaco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Reporting Rate ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Introduction: The Philippines, experiencing the fastest rising HIV epidemic globally, has limited options of HIV testing that its uptake remains low among cisgender men who have sex with men (cis-MSM) and transgender women (TGW), especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As HIV self-testing (HIVST) and web-based approaches could synergize efforts to expand its uptake, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a community-led web-based HIVST demonstration and to explore factors associated with HIVST-related behaviours and outcomes. Methods We did a secondary data analysis of routinely collected data in a community-led web-based HIVST demonstration among cis-MSM and TGW in Western Visayas, Philippines. We reviewed data on demographics, sexuality-, and context-related variables and explored associations with opting directly-assisted HIVST (DAH) and willingness to distribute, using multivariable logistic regression. Results HIVST kits were distributed to 706 individuals (648 cis-MSM, 58 TGW), 52.1% were first-time testers, 12.5% opted DAH, and 48.2% were willing to distribute. Reporting rate was high (97.5%) with 8.4% reactivity rate. While linkage to prevention (100%) and care (87.9%) were high, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (0.3%) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) (60.4%) initiation were limited. There were no reports of adverse events. Those who opted for DAH, not willing to distribute, employed, and those who recently had anal intercourse had significantly higher proportions of testing reactive. Those who opted web-based approaches (adjusted odds ratio, aOR=0.28 [confidence interval, CI 0.14-0.57]) were less likely to opt DAH. Those living in urban areas (aOR=1.60 [CI 1.13-2.26]) and with no history of HIV test (aOR=0.45 [CI 0.32-0.61]) were associated with lower likelihood of secondary distribution than their counterparts. Maximal quarantine restrictions were associated with higher likelihood of DAH (aOR = 4.07 [CI 2.42-6.90]) and willingness to distribute (aOR=3.51 [CI 2.45-5.07]) relative to minimal restrictions. Conclusions HIVST could reach those who were never tested for HIV. While there is demand in accessing unassisted and web-based approaches, DAH should still be offered. Uptake of PrEP and same-day ART should be upscaled by decentralizing these services to community-based organizations. Differentiated service delivery is key to respond to preferences and values of key populations amid the dynamic geographical and sociocultural contexts they are in.

scholarly journals What's PrEP?: Peer Navigator Acceptability among Minority MSM in Washington

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jade Pagkas-Bather ◽  
Jahn Jaramillo ◽  
Jsani Henry ◽  
Vanessa Grandberry ◽  
Luis F. Ramirez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Medical Provider ◽  
Sexual Stigma ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Western Washington ◽  
Minority Men ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Peer Navigation ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background: Peer navigation is a promising strategy to link at-risk minority men who have sex with men (MSM) to HIV prevention services including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Methods: Thirty-two Black and 63 Latinx HIV-negative MSM living in western Washington completed a survey examining attitudes towards peer navigation and PrEP. Factor analysis derived a score for peer navigator acceptability, and linear regression identified associations with this outcome . Results: Forty-eight percent were interested in peer navigation. Being insured, higher sexual stigma, and higher PHQ-9 score were associated with higher acceptability, while higher income and having a regular medical provider were associated with lower acceptability. In multivariable analysis, higher sexual stigma predicted higher acceptability, while higher income predicted lower acceptability. Conclusion: Men preferred that peers be matched on sexual orientation, race, age and culture. Peer navigation interventions to reach minority men should address stigma, focus on lower-income men, and try to match peers to clients to the extent possible. Key words: HIV prevention, pre-exposure prophylaxis, Black, Latinx, men who have sex with men

scholarly journals Comparing Web-Based Platforms for Promoting HIV Self-Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake in High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for a Longitudinal Cohort Study

10.2196/20417 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e20417
Author(s):  
Shea M Lemley ◽  
Jeffrey D Klausner ◽  
Sean D Young ◽  
Chrysovalantis Stafylis ◽  
Caroline Mulatya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Dating Apps ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Background The majority of those living with HIV in the United States are men who have sex with men (MSM), and young, minority MSM account for more new HIV infections than any other group. HIV transmission can be reduced through detection and early treatment initiation or by starting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but rates of testing are lower than recommended among MSM, and PrEP uptake has been slow. Although promoting HIV testing and PrEP uptake by placing advertisements on web-based platforms — such as social media websites and dating apps — is a promising approach for promoting HIV testing and PrEP, the relative effectiveness of HIV prevention advertising on common web-based platforms is underexamined. Objective This study aims to evaluate the relative effectiveness of advertisements placed on 3 types of web-based platforms (social media websites, dating apps, and informational websites) for promoting HIV self-testing and PrEP uptake. Methods Advertisements will be placed on social media websites (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), dating apps (Grindr, Jack’d, and Hornet), and informational search websites (Google, Yahoo, and Bing) to recruit approximately 400 young (18-30 years old), minority (Black or Latino) MSM at elevated risk of HIV exposure. Recruitment will occur in 3 waves, with each wave running advertisements on 1 website from each type of platform. The number of participants per platform is not prespecified, and recruitment in each wave will occur until approximately 133 HIV self-tests are ordered. Participants will complete a baseline survey assessing risk behavior, substance use, psychological readiness to test, and attitudes and then receive an electronic code to order a free home-based HIV self-test kit. Two follow-ups are planned to assess HIV self-test results and PrEP uptake. Results Recruitment was completed in July 2020. Conclusions Findings may improve our understanding of how the platform users’ receptivity to test for HIV differs across web-based platforms and thus may assist in facilitating web-based HIV prevention campaigns. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04155502; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04155502 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/20417

scholarly journals 1271. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Uptake Between Men Who Have Sex with Men and Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S457-S457
Author(s):  
Jun Tao ◽  
Madeline Montgomery ◽  
Collette Sosnowy ◽  
Hector R Nunez ◽  
Genoviva Sowemimo-Coker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Rhode Island ◽  
The United States ◽  
Directed Acyclic Graphs ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Men who have sex with men are disproportionately impacted by HIV in the United States and may benefit most from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, differences may exist between men who only have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with both men and women (MSMW). MSMW may experience more barriers to accessing PrEP and may act as a potential bridge population for transmitting HIV to female sex partners. Differences in PrEP awareness and use between MSM and MSMW are unknown. Methods We evaluated all MSM and MSMW presenting to the Rhode Island Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinic and PrEP clinic from 2013–2017. Demographics and behavioral information were reviewed. Bivariate analyses were performed to present distributions of demographic and behavioral characteristics by sexual behavior. Logistic regression was conducted to explore associations between PrEP awareness/use and sexual behavior. Confounding variables were identified using the directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) and a priori. Results Of 1,795 male individuals, 84% (1,504) were MSM, and 16% (291) were MSMW. The median age of our study population was 29 (interquartile range [IQR]: 23–42). When compared with MSM, MSMW were more likely to be non-White (33% vs. 28%), uninsured (54% vs.46%), self-report more sexual partners in the past 12 months (median 6 [IQR: 3–9]: vs. 4 [IQR:2–10]), use intranasal cocaine (21% vs. 12%), and engage in selling (6% vs. 2%) or buying sex (12% vs. 4%, all P < 0.05). MSMW were also less likely to have a previous HIV test (77% vs. 89%) compared with MSM. MSMW were 59% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 041, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31–0.55) less likely to be aware of PrEP and 17% (aOR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.41–1.66) less likely to report ever using PrEP after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and self-reported HIV risk. Conclusion Despite engaging in higher risk behaviors, MSMW were significantly less likely to be aware of or use PrEP compared with MSM. Future PrEP interventions are needed to target this potentially high-risk bridge population. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals A Web-Based Study of HIV Prevention in the Era of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Vulnerable HIV-Negative Gay and Bisexual Men, Transmen, and Transwomen Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol for an Observational Cohort Study

10.2196/13715 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e13715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denis Nash ◽  
Matthew Stief ◽  
Caitlin MacCrate ◽  
Chloe Mirzayi ◽  
Viraj V Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
The United States ◽  
Racially Diverse ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Acquisition ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Hiv Negative

Background Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men continue to bear a large burden of the HIV epidemic in the United States and are among the only populations with increasing incidence in recent years. Objective The Together 5000 (T5K) Study aimed to enroll a US-based, racially diverse sample of HIV-negative men, transmen, and transwomen who are not on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) into an observational cohort to inform the design, implementation, scale-up, and evaluation of HIV prevention programs. Methods We used internet-based strategies to enroll a large, racially diverse national sample of HIV-negative men, transmen, and transwomen aged 16 to 49 years at high risk of HIV acquisition via sexual networking apps. Study participants are contacted every 6 months (in between annual surveys) for a brief survey on HIV testing, HIV diagnosis, and PrEP use (ie, attempts to access, PrEP initiation, and PrEP discontinuation). Participants complete annual self-administered at-home HIV testing and Web-based surveys. Using baseline serologic data and self-reported HIV testing history, we reconstructed a cohort of persons who were HIV negative at 12 months before baseline to estimate HIV incidence leading up to cohort enrollment. Results The study sample included 8777 participants from all 50 US states, Puerto Rico, and Guam; 50.91% (4468/8777) were persons of color and 25.30% (2221/8777) were young individuals aged 16 to 24 years. Per eligibility criteria, all T5K participants reported having sex with >2 male partners in the 90 days before enrollment, self-reported not having been diagnosed with HIV, and were not actively taking PrEP. In addition, 79.39% (6968/8777) reported >2 insertive condomless anal sex (CAS) acts, 61.02% (5356/8777) reported >1 receptive CAS acts in the past 90 days. Furthermore, most (7525/8777, 85.74%) reported never having taken PrEP. In total, 70.25% (6166/8777) were sent a self-administered at-home HIV test kit and 82.29% (5074/6166) of those sent a kit returned a sample for testing. The HIV incidence rate during the 12-month period leading up to enrollment was estimated to be 2.41 (95% CI 2.02-2.90) per 100 person-years. Conclusions A large, national, and racially diverse fully Web-based cohort of HIV-negative men, transmen, and transwomen at high risk for HIV seroconversion has successfully been recruited into longitudinal follow-up. This cohort is at high risk for HIV acquisition and can provide important insights related to the real-world uptake, impact, and equity of HIV prevention interventions in the United States. Participants can be invited to participate in trials aimed at testing strategies to improve the uptake of and engagement in these interventions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/13715

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in a Sample of Italian Men Who Have SEX with MEN (MSM)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4772
Author(s):  
Gianluca Voglino ◽  
Maria Rosaria Gualano ◽  
Stefano Rousset ◽  
Pietro Forghieri ◽  
Isabella Fraire ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Immune Deficiency Syndrome ◽  
Deficiency Syndrome ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suitable for high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection risk people, foremost among whom are males who have sex with other males (MSM). This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding PrEP in a sample of Italian MSM, in order to hypothesize strategies to implement PrEP awareness and use. No previous study has assessed this issue; Methods: An online survey was given to an opportunistic sample of Italian MSM. The questionnaire investigated sexual behaviour and habits, HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge and PrEP awareness, attitudes and practices. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with PrEP knowledge; Results: A total of 196 MSM participated in this survey. Overall data showed that 87.2% of participants knew what PrEP is, but only 7.5% have ever used it. The main reason for not using PrEP was the cost of the therapy (26.9%). The principal source of PrEP information was the Internet (68.4%). Being regularly tested for HIV was significantly associated with PrEP knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AdjOR) = 3.16; confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–9.29); Conclusions: Knowledge regarding PrEP was well established, but PrEP use was not equally widespread. It is necessary to improve research on PrEP usage in order to PrEP access to be granted.

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