1. Perceptions of people who inject drugs towards HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Australia.
- Author
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Read P, Chronister KJ, Kostovski C, Harrod ME, Salmon A, and Jauncey M
- Subjects
- Adult, Australia, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Needle-Exchange Programs, Risk-Taking, Sexual Behavior, Surveys and Questionnaires, Anti-HIV Agents therapeutic use, HIV Infections prevention & control, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Needle Sharing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, Substance Abuse, Intravenous
- Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWID) are a priority for HIV prevention. This study aimed to determine perceptions, potential eligibility and willingness to use PrEP among PWID in Sydney., Methods: Clients completed a cross-sectional survey to collect data on demographics, perceived risk of HIV and willingness to use PrEP, which were then analysed., Results: Twelve (7%) of 172 HIV-negative participants were eligible for PrEP under current guidelines for injecting reasons, of whom three would also be eligible for sexual risk, leaving nine (5%) eligible for injecting reasons alone. Half had heard of PrEP and, of these, 65% would consider taking it. Most (88%) thought they would continue using needle syringe program services. A minority (8%) indicated they may be likely to share needles and syringes or be less concerned about injecting partners' HIV status (26%)., Conclusions: Although PrEP will benefit a small proportion of PWID, this may equate to a significant number nationally. Policy development around PrEP incorporating affected populations will best support the community of people currently injecting to keep rates of HIV low.
- Published
- 2019
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