Will I? Won't I? Why do men who have sex with men present for post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual exposures?

The patient rationale for seeking HIV PEP: Qualitative results from a nurse‐led program

“…In a study by Sayer et al. (), sexual partners were deemed more risky if they had a sexually transmitted infection, were seen as “promiscuous” or enjoying “adventurous sex”, and/or were HIV‐positive (Sayer et al., ). Study participants also described the importance of establishing “trust” prior to condomless sex (Sayer et al., ).…”

“…Of particular note is that in many cases, the main element used by individuals in assessing risk is the perceived personal characteristics of their sexual partner. In a study by Sayer et al (2009), sexual partners were deemed more risky if they had a sexually transmitted infection, were seen as "promiscuous" or enjoying "adventurous sex", and/or were HIV-positive (Sayer et al, 2009). Study participants also described the importance of establishing "trust" prior to condomless sex (Sayer et al, 2009).…”

“…In a study by Sayer et al (2009), sexual partners were deemed more risky if they had a sexually transmitted infection, were seen as "promiscuous" or enjoying "adventurous sex", and/or were HIV-positive (Sayer et al, 2009). Study participants also described the importance of establishing "trust" prior to condomless sex (Sayer et al, 2009). Moreover, increased risk was equated with alcohol and illicit drug use, venue (i.e., bathhouse/sauna), and important life events (Sayer et al, 2009).…”

HIV testing in men who have sex with men: are we ready to take the next HIV testing test?

“…With the weakening commitment of MSM to consistent condom use (at the population level),4 5 and with the growing popularity of different behavioural risk-reduction strategies (negotiated agreements, serosorting and strategic positioning),6 7 8 and the increasing uptake and enactment of pharmacoprophylaxis by MSM (pre and postexposure prophylaxis),9 10 it is little wonder public health and prevention practitioners are highly sensitive to changes in the HIV testing practice and patterns of MSM. From a public health perspective HIV testing rates are a factor in estimating the scale of the problem in this population group.…”

“…We must actively support health promoters to deliver education packages about testing and the effectiveness of risk-reduction strategies accurately. We must also be cautious not to contribute to the community stigma that prevention based on a “sero-divide” could create 9 14 16. HIV-positive MSM are our greatest allies in the prevention endeavour and need to be treated as such.…”