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HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Results from a prospective observational study in Germany.
Uhrmacher, M; Skaletz-Rorowski, A; Nambiar, S; Schmidt, A J; Ahaus, P; Serova, K; Mordhorst, I; Kayser, A; Wach, J; Tiemann, C; Münstermann, D; Brockmeyer, N H; Potthoff, A.
  • Uhrmacher M; WIR - Walk in Ruhr, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Bochum, Germany.
  • Skaletz-Rorowski A; Interdisciplinary Immunological Outpatient Clinic, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
  • Nambiar S; WIR - Walk in Ruhr, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Bochum, Germany.
  • Schmidt AJ; Interdisciplinary Immunological Outpatient Clinic, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
  • Ahaus P; WIR - Walk in Ruhr, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Bochum, Germany.
  • Serova K; Interdisciplinary Immunological Outpatient Clinic, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
  • Mordhorst I; Sigma Research, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
  • Kayser A; Division of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.
  • Wach J; WIR - Walk in Ruhr, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Bochum, Germany.
  • Tiemann C; Interdisciplinary Immunological Outpatient Clinic, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
  • Münstermann D; Institute of Educational Research, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
  • Brockmeyer NH; WIR - Walk in Ruhr, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Bochum, Germany.
  • Potthoff A; Interdisciplinary Immunological Outpatient Clinic, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Front Public Health ; 10: 930208, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2022957
ABSTRACT

Aims:

Since 2017, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care has been provided through an intersectoral collaboration at WIR (Walk-in-Ruhr, Center for Sexual Health and Medicine, Bochum, Germany). The aim of this study was to establish possible impact of COVID-restrictions on the sexual behavior of PrEP users in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Methods:

The current PrEP study collected data of individuals using PrEP, their sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before (each quarter of year 2018) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (each quarter of year 2020).

Results:

During the first lockdown in Germany from mid-March until May 2020, PrEP-care appointments at WIR were postponed or canceled. Almost a third of PrEP users had discontinued their PrEP intake in the 2nd quarter of 2020 due to alteration of their sexual behavior. The number of sexual partners decreased from a median of 14 partners in the previous 6 months in 1st quarter of 2020, to 7 partners in 4th quarter of 2020. Despite such a significant reduction in partner number during the pandemic in comparison to the pre-pandemic period, a steady rate of STIs was observed among PrEP users in 2020.

Conclusion:

The SARS-CoV-2-pandemic has impacted PrEP-using MSM in North Rhine-Westphalia with respect to their PrEP intake regimen and sexual behavior in 2020. Our study revealed a steady rate of STI among PrEP users even during the pandemic, thus highlighting the importance of ensuring appropriate HIV/STI prevention services in times of crisis.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Sexually Transmitted Diseases / HIV Infections / Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis / Sexual and Gender Minorities / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans / Male Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: Front Public Health Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Fpubh.2022.930208

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Sexually Transmitted Diseases / HIV Infections / Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis / Sexual and Gender Minorities / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans / Male Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: Front Public Health Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Fpubh.2022.930208