Background Drug users are regarded as a high-risk population for HIV infection. Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is internationally regarded as an effective biomedical prevention against HIV but still a small-scale pilot project in China at present. The aim of this study was to understand drug users’ awareness of and willingness to use nPEP service in China. Methods This mixed methods study consisting of a qualitative study and a cross-sectional survey was conducted in two cities of China from 2018 to 2019. The in-depth interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic framework analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine factors associated with drug users’ awareness of and willingness to use nPEP. Results There were 401 and 19 participants included in quantitative and qualitative study respectively. Among participants in quantitative study, 30.2% had heard of nPEP and 56.7% reported willingness to use nPEP in future HIV exposure. In multivariate analyses, nPEP awareness was associated with age, sex, education level, AIDS knowledge score and HIV risk perception. nPEP willingness was associated with AIDS knowledge score, HIV risk perception, alcohol use, monthly income and awareness of nPEP. The qualitative results showed the barriers to nPEP willingness included the fatigue after taking drugs, high cost and side effects of nPEP medication, long nPEP course, and fear of privacy disclosure. Conclusion Drug users had low nPEP awareness and only about half participants reported willingness to use nPEP. It is essential to promote nPEP education campaigns among drug users, especially for elders, women and those with lower education level. Simultaneously, price regulation, side effect management, psychological support and privacy protection need to be managed well when nPEP is routinized.
Background Drug users are regarded as a high-risk population of HIV infection. Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is internationally regarded as an effective biomedical prevention against HIV but still a small-scale pilot project in China at present. The aim of this study was to understand drug users’ perceptions demands and suggestions for nPEP service in China.Methods Nineteen eligible drug users were recruited in this qualitative study. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted by trained interviewers. All of the interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic framework analysis.Results Most of participants had not heard of nPEP and none of them had used this service. After being informed basic knowledge of nPEP, about half of the participants reported willingness to use it. The facilitators included scare of HIV infection and regarding nPEP as a remedial measure in emergency. The barriers included low willingness for fatigue and lethargy after taking drugs, high price and side effects of nPEP medication, long course of nPEP treatment, and fear of privacy disclosure. Most of the participants thought the availability of nPEP would not increase the occurrence of unprotected intercourse and supported the routinization of nPEP services. Most participants chose social media for nPEP propaganda and pharmacies for providing nPEP.Conclusions It is imperative to strengthen propaganda and education of nPEP among drug users, and to encourage them to proactively use nPEP after exposure. Price regulation, side effect management and privacy protection need to be managed well when nPEP is routinized.
Background Drug users are regarded as a high-risk population of HIV infection. Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is internationally regarded as an effective biomedical prevention against HIV but still a small-scale pilot project in China at present. The aim of this study was to understand drug users’ perceptions, demands and suggestions for nPEP service in China. Methods Nineteen eligible drug users were recruited in this qualitative study. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted by trained interviewers. All of the interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic framework analysis. Results Most of participants had not heard of nPEP and none of them had used this service. After being informed basic knowledge of nPEP, about half of the participants reported willingness to use it. The facilitators included scare of HIV infection and regarding nPEP as a remedial measure in emergency. The barriers included low willingness for fatigue and lethargy after taking drugs, high price and side effects of nPEP medication, long course of nPEP treatment, and fear of privacy disclosure. Most of the participants thought the availability of nPEP would not increase the occurrence of unprotected intercourse and supported the routinization of nPEP services. Most participants chose social media for nPEP propaganda and pharmacies for providing nPEP. Conclusions It is imperative to strengthen propaganda and education of nPEP among drug users, and to encourage them to proactively use nPEP after exposure. Price regulation, side effect management and privacy protection need to be managed well when nPEP is routinized.
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