Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Sep 9, 2020
Date Accepted: Sep 23, 2021
Characterizing Awareness of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Manila and Cebu, Philippines: A web-based survey of Filipino Cisgender Men who have sex with Men
ABSTRACT
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 cis-MSM’s PrEP awareness is needed to roll out this public health initiative.
Objective:
To assess PrEP awareness and related correlates (i.e. socio-demographic variables, social factors, healthcare access/utilization) among Filipino cis-MSM.
Methods:
We conducted an online survey with Filipino cis-MSM (n=179) residing in cities of Manila and Cebu, Philippines. Multivariable analysis procedures were performed to examine factors associated with PrEP awareness.
Results:
Our sample demonstrated high awareness (n=134; 75%) and interest (n=159; 89%) to take PrEP. Adjusted model showed greater odds of PrEP awareness were associated with having a college education or more vs. high school education and below (aOR=7.30, 95%CI=1.01-52.47), earning between ₱10,000-20,000 vs. less than ₱10,000 (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 bio-medical HIV prevention technologies among this population. Incorporating PrEP education into routine HIV screening and leveraging cis-MSM social networks may be useful in optimizing PrEP implementation. Clinical Trial: Not Applicable / Not a trial study
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