Demand for Pre exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) in Scotland
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Demand for Pre exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) and the impact on clinical services: Scottish men-who-have-sex-with men (MSM) perspectives.
IRAS ID
198641
Contact name
Susan Shepherd
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Lothian
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
New HIV diagnoses in MSM in Scotland continue to increase. Across the UK, the rate of new HIV infections in MSM is 1.5-2% per year, with the rate in the subgroup of MSM at the highest risk of infection reaching 9%. There is now robust evidence that Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP); taking antiretroviral drugs before sex, is highly effective in preventing HIV, resulting in at least an 86% reduction of the chance of infection. The NHS in the UK nations does not currently provide PrEP and the criteria for any NHS funded provision have yet to be determined. There is clearly a sub group of MSM for whom existing HIV prevention interventions are not sufficient. The size of this subgroup, the demand for PrEP and the means through which is can be provided is not yet clear.
This study will investigate how many eligible (high risk) MSM might want to access PrEP, what eligibility criteria can or should be applied, how many would be prepared to self fund this prevention (should universal access not be available, or be delayed), how men envisage taking PrEP (daily or intermittently), the duration that they see themselves requiring this intervention, scenarios in which they may use PrEP and how they see this impacting on other HIV prevention strategies.
Nine hundred self-completed anonymous qualitative questionnaires will be distributed, on paper and though a web-link for on-line completion to MSM populations attending clinical services and third sector agencies (Chalmers Gay Mans Clinic and Walk-in , Behaviour Change Clinic, ROAM clinics, Gay Men's Health). Through this study we will gain insight into what clinic attendees expect from PrEP and better plan for appropriate policies, protocols and capacity within our service to accommodate implementation. Findings are likely to be helpful in other services across Scotland and the UK.REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0045
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jan 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion