Characterization of the sociodemographic profile of users of hiv pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Ceará

Abstract

Introduction: PrEP is a biomedical prevention strategy that consists of the use of oral antiretrovirals (ARV) to mitigate the risk of acquiring HIV and, consequently, of developing AIDS. The present study aims to describe the sociodemographic profile of users dispensed with PrEP in Ceará from 2018 to 2023. Methods: this is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The data was obtained from the Department of HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (DATHI) of the Ministry of Health through the PrEP Monitoring Panel. Results: there was a predominance of Gay users and Men who have Sex with Men but do not consider themselves gay; they self-declared as mixed race, highly educated, and aged between 30 and 39 years old. PrEP dispensations showed progression in the period analyzed despite years of pandemic. Conclusion: although PrEP is effective in controlling and declining the number of HIV infections, these data demonstrate that there is a gap between who benefits from it. It is a challenge to make PrEP reach those who can most benefit from it and who are most likely to be exposed to HIV, individuals with low education, trans people, transvestites, young adults/adolescents, and non-whites.