Perceptions of people who inject drugs towards HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Australia
Phillip Read A B E , Karen J. Chronister A B , Catherine Kostovski A , Mary Ellen Harrod C , Allison Salmon D and Marianne Jauncey D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, PO Box 22, Kings Cross, Sydney, NSW 1340, Australia.
B Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
C New South Wales Users and AIDS Association (NUAA), Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia.
D Uniting Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: phillip.read1@health.nsw.gov.au
Sexual Health 16(4) 383-388 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH18228
Submitted: 1 December 2018 Accepted: 1 April 2019 Published: 17 June 2019
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.
Additional keywords: harm reduction, HIV prevention.
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