October 8, 2020

Substantial Decline in Use of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Following Introduction of COVID-19 Physical Distancing Restrictions in Australia

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

Keywords (Tags): public health

• Overall, 42% of 847 gay and bisexual men participating in an online cohort study of men in Australia reported discontinuing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) due to COVID-19 restrictions, which coincided with a reduction in sexual activity. PrEP use in this cohort increased from 4.9% in 2015 to 47.2% in 2020. PrEP discontinuation was associated with lower likelihood of recent testing for HIV and lower likelihood of reporting sex with casual partners.

Hammoud et al. (Oct 7, 2020). Substantial Decline in Use of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Following Introduction of COVID-19 Physical Distancing Restrictions in Australia. JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. https://doi.org/10.1097/QAI.0000000000002514