CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PrEP USERS PROFILE ATTENDED AT DRUG DISPENSING UNITS IN GOIÂNIA BETWEEN 2018 AND 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) consists of the use of the antiretrovirals tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine to reduce the risk of HIV infection. Objective: Characterize the PrEP users profile attended at drug dispensing units in Goiânia between 2018 and 2023 and describe HIV incidence in the municipality. Methodology: Epidemiological, cross-sectional study based on secondary data from Logistics Control System for Medicines of the Ministry of Health on PrEP users who took prophylaxis at two dispensing units in Goiânia between 2018 and 2023. Data on the HIV incidence in Goiânia, between 2013 and 2023, was obtained from the Goiás State Health Department. Results: Users aged 30 to 39 years (41.8%), cis men (91.5%), homosexuals/gays/lesbians (77.7%), brown (56.1%) and with ≥ 12 years of schooling (52.2%) were prevalent. Transsexuals, cis women, non-binary people and transvestites had little access to prophylaxis. Most users had only taken PrEP once and the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections was low (1.26%). The data indicated a reductionin the number of HIV cases in Goiânia between 2018 and 2020, during a period that temporally coincided with the introduction of PrEP. Conclusion: The main challenges for the coming years will be to expand prevention coverage, ensure continued adherence to PrEP and promote awareness of its importance, with an emphasis on eliminating inequalities in access to health services.