Barriers to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) use for HIV: an integrative review

Author(s)

Marcela Antonini ^[1] ; Ingred Evangelista da Silva ^[2] ; Henrique Ciabotti Elias ^[3] ; Larissa Gerin ^[4] ; Aliete Cunha Oliveira ^[5] ; Renata Karina Reis ^[6]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de São Paulo - Brasil

^[2] Universidade de São Paulo - Brasil

^[3] Universidade de São Paulo - Brasil

^[4] Universidade de São Paulo - Brasil

^[5] Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra - Portugal

^[6] Universidade de São Paulo - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem; v. 76, n. 3 2023-06-26.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify and synthesize scientific evidence on the barriers and difficulties for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) use and compliance for HIV. Methods: an integrative literature review, using the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Academic Search Premier and Scopus (Elsevier) databases. Results: all (100%) the articles included identified that PrEP users experience some type of structural barrier related to health services such as long distance from the units, suboptimal logistics for taking pills and professional resistance to prescribing PrEP. Furthermore, 63.21% identified social barriers, such as stigma about sexuality and HIV, in addition to individual barriers such as alcohol use, adverse effects, and concerns about long-term toxicity. Conclusions: the barriers to PrEP use are multifactorial. Effective interventions are needed to support PrEP users in accessing, complying with, and retaining health services. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/08247-1 - Sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections among HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users
• Grantee: Renata Karina Reis
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants