ABSTRACT
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, HIV care and prevention efforts have been disrupted. We investigated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use and testing behaviors among MSM in the Netherlands, and the factors that influenced testing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cohort of 766 MSM, established in 2017, was asked in August 2020 to report on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic via an online survey. Participants (n = 319) reported increased PrEP use and, among PrEP users (n = 211), significantly lower rates of having tested in the last 3 months for HIV and renal functioning compared to before the pandemic. Daily PrEP use and a higher number of sexual partners during the pandemic was significantly associated with continued HIV testing. Continued renal functioning testing was associated with older age. Correcting for pandemic-related disruptions in PrEP use and care will require sustained effort to understand and address missed opportunities.
RéSUMé: Como resultado de la pandemia de COVID-19, los cuidados y esfuerzos de prevención de VIH han sido interrumpidos. Investigamos el uso de la profilaxis preexposición (PrEP) y el comportamiento de diagnóstico de HSH en los Países Bajos y los factores de influencia durante la pandemia. Una cohorte de 766 HSH, establecida en 2017, reportó en agosto 2020 sus experiencias mediante una encuesta en línea. Los participantes (n = 319) reportaron un incremento en el uso de PrEP y, entre los usuarios de PrEP (n = 211), tasas menores de pruebas de VIH y funcionamiento renal comparado con tasas pre-pandemia. El uso diario de PrEP y un número mayor de parejas sexuales en pandemia fue asociado con la solicitud continua de pruebas de VIH. La solicitud continua de pruebas de funcionamiento renal fue asociada al incremento de edad. Un esfuerzo constante será necesario para corregir las interrupciones del uso y cuidado asociado a la PrEP.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , HIV Infections , Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Communicable Disease Control , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Homosexuality, Male , Humans , Male , Netherlands/epidemiology , Pandemics/prevention & controlABSTRACT
The intention to get the COVID-19 vaccine increased from 48% (November 2020) to 75% (March 2021) as national campaigning in the Netherlands commenced. Using a mixed method approach we identified six vaccination beliefs and two contextual factors informing this increase. Analysis of a national survey confirmed that shifting intentions were a function of shifting beliefs: people with stronger intention to vaccinate were most motivated by protecting others and reopening society; those reluctant were most concerned about side effects.