Factors associated with PrEP knowledge and intention to use PrEP among HIV-negative men and trans women sex workers in Spain.

Lack of data regarding knowledge and intention to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among sex workers exists in Spain. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis based on data from SexCohort study, which included male (MSW) and trans women sex workers (TWSW), aged ≥18 and recruited in two community-based centres in Barcelona, Spain. Of 116 TWSW and 79 MSW, 49.1% and 58.2% had factual knowledge of PrEP, and 40.3% and 70.1% had the intention to use PrEP, respectively. In the multivariable analyses, we found that education and condomless anal sex with stable partners were associated with PrEP knowledge. Regarding intention to use PrEP, TWSW were less likely than MSW to report an intention to use it (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.16-0.74). Furthermore, intention to use PrEP was associated with being foreign-born, practicing chemsex, and visiting a medical service in the last 12 months. The results of this study inform future trans-specific guidance for PrEP to be effectively implemented in Spain.

Feasibility of an online antigen self-testing strategy for SARS-CoV-2 addressed to health care and education professionals in Catalonia (Spain). The TESTAT- COVID Project

We aimed to implement a pilot intervention based on offering online COVID-19 selftest kits addressed to healthcare and education professionals in Spain during the peak of the 6th wave caused by Omicron variant. Kits were ordered online and sent by mail, participants answered an online acceptability/usability survey and uploaded the picture of results. 492 participants ordered a test, 304 uploaded the picture (61.8%). Eighteen positive cases were detected (5.9%). 92.2% were satisfied/very satisfied with the intervention; and 92.5% found performing the test easy/very easy. We demonstrated that implementing online COVID-19 self-testing in schools and healthcare settings in Spain is feasible. Key findingsO_LIWe implemented a pilot intervention based on offering online COVID-19 selftest kits in Spain. C_LIO_LIWe demonstrated the feasibility of the intervention during the peak of the 6th wave caused by Omicron variant. C_LIO_LIThe intervention counted with high acceptability among healthcare and education professionals in Spain. C_LIO_LIOur results may contribute to define screening strategies addressed to key populations, particularly during peaks of high community transmission of SARS-CoV-2. C_LI

A Cluster-Randomized Trial of Hydroxychloroquine as Prevention of Covid-19 Transmission and Disease

BackgroundCurrent strategies for preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections are limited to non-pharmacological interventions. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been proposed as a postexposure therapy to prevent Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) but definitive evidence is lacking. MethodsWe conducted an open-label, cluster-randomized trial including asymptomatic contacts exposed to a PCR-positive Covid-19 case in Catalonia, Spain. Clusters were randomized to receive no specific therapy (control arm) or HCQ 800mg once, followed by 400mg daily for 6 days (intervention arm). The primary outcome was PCR-confirmed symptomatic Covid-19 within 14 days. The secondary outcome was SARS-CoV-2 infection, either symptomatically compatible or a PCR-positive result regardless of symptoms. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed up to 28 days. ResultsThe analysis included 2,314 healthy contacts of 672 Covid-19 index cases identified between Mar 17 and Apr 28, 2020. A total of 1,198 were randomly allocated to usual care and 1,116 to HCQ therapy. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome of PCR-confirmed, symptomatic Covid-19 disease (6.2% usual care vs. 5.7% HCQ; risk ratio 0.89 [95% confidence interval 0.54-1.46]), nor evidence of beneficial effects on prevention of SARS-CoV-2 transmission (17.8% usual care vs. 18.7% HCQ). The incidence of AEs was higher in the intervention arm than in the control arm (5.9% usual care vs 51.6% HCQ), but no treatment-related serious AEs were reported. ConclusionsPostexposure therapy with HCQ did not prevent SARS-CoV-2 disease and infection in healthy individuals exposed to a PCR-positive case. Our findings do not support HCQ as postexposure prophylaxis for Covid-19. ClinicalTrials.gov registration numberNCT04304053