Awareness and Uptake of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention Among Men who have Sex with Men in Nepal

This study aimed to examine PrEP awareness and its use among Nepali MSM and the factors influencing its adoption. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among MSM in Nepal between October and December 2022 (N  = 250). Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were performed to determine factors associated with awareness and use of PrEP. In the study population, 59.6% of participants were aware of PrEP, however, only 30.4% of them had utilized it. The odds of PrEP awareness were higher among particip ants who had completed high school or above (aOR = 4.1; 95% CI = 1.8–9.6), those with health insurance coverage (aOR = 6.9; 95% CI = 2.1–22.3) and had tested for HIV (aOR = 21.2; 95% CI = 8.3–53.9). Similarly, participants who identified as gay (aOR = 3.4; 95% CI  = 1.4–8.4), had visited a doctor within the past 6 months (aOR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.2–6.5), had previously tested for HIV (aOR = 12.3; 95% CI = 3.4–44.7), and had been diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (aOR = 7.0; 95% CI = 2.5–19.5) were more likely to hav e used PrEP. Our results highlight the critical importance of healthcare providers engaging in providing care for MSM, including facilitating as well as discussions about PrEP. In addition, there is a pressing need for innovative strategies (e.g., peer educators, social media, online facilitating te chnologies) to disseminate PrEP knowledge and reduce stigma surrounding PrEP.
Source: Journal of Community Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research