Awareness of and Willingness to Use Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention among HIV-Serodiscordant Heterosexual Couples: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Xinjiang,China |
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| Authors: | Peierdun Mijiti Dilixiati Yahepu Xiaoni Zhong Yong Sun Ting Zhao Zhen Zhao Zaiyinuer Abuduaili Hongfang Zhou Fanliang Meng Jianghong Dai Ailong Huang |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China.; 2. Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Bureau of Health, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China.; 3. School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.; 4. Virus Hepatitis Research Institute, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.; Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, |
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| Abstract: | ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the awareness of and willingness to use oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among HIV-negative partners in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples in Xinjiang, China and determine factors that predict willingness to use oral PrEP.MethodsBetween November 2009 and December 2010, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among 351 HIV-negative partners in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples from three cities in Xinjiang, China. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess their awareness of and willingness to use oral PrEP. Additionally, blood samples were collected to test for HIV infection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of willingness to use oral PrEP.ResultsOnly 10 participants (2.8%) reported having heard of PrEP, and only two reported ever using PrEP. However, 297 (84.6%) reported that they were willing to use oral PrEP if it was proven to be both safe and effective. Results of multivariate analysis revealed the following independent predictors of willingness to use oral PrEP: monthly household income (adjusted odds ratio = 2.78, <1000 RMB vs. ≥1000 RMB, 95% confidence interval: 1.36–5.69), perceived likelihood of contracting HIV from HIV-positive partner (adjusted odds ratio = 2.63, likely vs. unlikely, 95% confidence interval: 1.12–6.19), and worrying about being discriminated against by others due to oral PrEP use (adjusted odds ratio = 9.43, No vs. Yes, 95% confidence interval: 3.78–23.50).ConclusionsOur results showed HIV-negative partners in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples in China had low awareness of oral PrEP but high willingness to use oral PrEP for HIV prevention. Cost of oral PrEP should be taken into consideration in future PrEP prevention strategy. In addition, efforts should be made to reduce stigma attached to oral PrEP use, which may increase its acceptability among potential users. |
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