Reducing High-Risk Sexual Behaviors in Adults Males on Preexposure Prophylaxis
Abstract
In 2012, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) endorsed the antiretroviral agent Truvada as a preventive agent when Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) exposure is likely. In 2019 a second regimen, Descovy was endorsed for the same purpose. These regimens are for individuals with a high-risk chance of contracting HIV through high-risk sexual activities and behaviors (Aguirrebengroa et al., 2021). These antiretrovirals for this purpose are collectively known as Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Additional research by Aguirrebengroa et al. (2021) described a lower rate of condom use and a very elevated occurrence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a retroactive descriptive study of PrEP users who were monitored quarterly over twenty-four months.
The purpose of this project was to reduce high-risk sexual behaviors in adult males on PrEP therapy. Medical records were screened for clients that met the inclusion criteria. Clients qualified for inclusion if they had one or more STI exposures while enrolled in an established PrEP program. Following pre-intervention data collection, clients were provided with The Five Action Steps to Good Sexual Health authored by the National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH). The steps are designed to promote safe sexual relationships (NCSH, 2018). During quarterly follow-up visits, post intervention data was collected.
Analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data indicated a change in participants’ behaviors post-intervention. Study findings included a decrease in the mean number of sexual partners and a significant increase in the percentage of condom use among participants. There was no increase in the number of diagnosed STI’s among study participants post-intervention.
Keywords
Safe sex practices, High-Risk sexual behaviors, PrEP, Truvada, Descovy, Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Reducing High-Risk Sexual Behaviors in Adults Males on Preexposure Prophylaxis
In 2012, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) endorsed the antiretroviral agent Truvada as a preventive agent when Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) exposure is likely. In 2019 a second regimen, Descovy was endorsed for the same purpose. These regimens are for individuals with a high-risk chance of contracting HIV through high-risk sexual activities and behaviors (Aguirrebengroa et al., 2021). These antiretrovirals for this purpose are collectively known as Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Additional research by Aguirrebengroa et al. (2021) described a lower rate of condom use and a very elevated occurrence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a retroactive descriptive study of PrEP users who were monitored quarterly over twenty-four months.
The purpose of this project was to reduce high-risk sexual behaviors in adult males on PrEP therapy. Medical records were screened for clients that met the inclusion criteria. Clients qualified for inclusion if they had one or more STI exposures while enrolled in an established PrEP program. Following pre-intervention data collection, clients were provided with The Five Action Steps to Good Sexual Health authored by the National Coalition for Sexual Health (NCSH). The steps are designed to promote safe sexual relationships (NCSH, 2018). During quarterly follow-up visits, post intervention data was collected.
Analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data indicated a change in participants’ behaviors post-intervention. Study findings included a decrease in the mean number of sexual partners and a significant increase in the percentage of condom use among participants. There was no increase in the number of diagnosed STI’s among study participants post-intervention.
