One-year follow-up of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) users in Ceará, Brazil: adherence, behavioral patterns, and outcomes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17058/reci.v16i.20685Keywords:
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Prevention, Sexual and Gender Minorities, Sexual Behavior, Treatment OutcomeAbstract
Background and Objectives: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective strategy for preventing HIV, especially among sexual and gender minorities. This study evaluated adherence, behavioral patterns, and health outcomes among individuals (including gay and bisexual men, other men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women) using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Ceará, Brazil over the course of one year. Methods: A retrospective cohort design was used to analyze secondary data from the Logistic Control System of Medicines. The study included 192 participants: heterosexual (50), homosexual (125), bisexual (17), and other men who have sex with men and one transgender woman (n=192), who initiated PrEP between December 2017 and June 2021. Results: The findings indicated a high adherence rate, with a mean rate of 2.24 missed pills per month, and no new HIV infection was reported among participants. However, 16 cases of syphilis were detected, highlighting a discrepancy between self-reported condom use and actual sexual behavior. Additionally, no significant association was found between educational level and condom use, suggesting that higher education does not necessarily lead to safer sexual practices. Some participants (45) reported experiencing adverse drug reactions, with nausea being the most common symptom. Conclusion: The study showed high adherence to PrEP and an absence of new HIV infections. However, the discrepancy between self-reported condom use and actual behavior indicates a need for combined strategies to address risk compensation and to improve monitoring of the population using PrEP.
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