Effect of PrEP on condom use among men who have sex with men

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of PrEP (Pre-Exposure-Prophylaxis) usage on the non-utilization of barrier methods and prevention of Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during sexual intercourse among men who have sex with men and to compare the incidence of STIs within this group.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study that submit questionnaires regarding sexual behavior concerning PrEP usage and the incidence of STIs in the population of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM). To submit the questionnaires, a profile was created in social medias, and was active from October 17, 2021, to May 1, 2022.  Were evaluated 154 male participants aged between 18 and 50 from the city of Bauru, São Paulo, and its surrounding region.

RESULTS: A total of 152 men were interviewed. Among them, 86.4% of the candidates had already heard of PrEP, and 17 individuals had already used it. From the individuals who already used PrEP, 35.3% did not use condoms in their sexual relationships or used them only in a minority of cases. Roughly 17.5% of the candidates stated that they would not use PrEP. The individuals who used PrEP, 53% had already STI, while in the group of individuals who did not use it, this rate is 21.9%.

CONCLUSION: This study found that, despite the positive effect of PrEP use, lack of awareness and limitations of the medication lead to a considerable number of cases adopting risky sexual behaviors, resulting in an increase in other STIs.