HIV risk and awareness and interest in pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis among sheltered women in Miami.
Pre- and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection are recommended for adults at substantial risk of HIV. Women experiencing homelessness have increased risk of HIV infection compared with stably-housed women. We conducted a survey of 74 sheltered women at Lotus House Women's Shelter (Lotus House) in Miami to assess risk behaviour as well as knowledge and perception of pre- and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis in this population. Of surveyed women, 58.1% engaged in vaginal and/or anal sex while sheltered, and of sexually-active women 55.4% reported inconsistent condom use. 83.8% of women reported no concern regarding HIV acquisition due to their behaviour. Few women surveyed (20.8%) had previously heard of pre- or non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis. The majority (58.3%) of respondents indicated receptiveness to these prevention methods when introduced. Those indicating that they would consider pre- or non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis were significantly younger than those indicating that they would not consider these prevention strategies (p = 0.004). Education and referral for pre- and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis should be considered for sheltered women at risk of HIV infection. Additional research to optimise implementation of biomedical prevention strategies in this population is needed.
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Sexual Behavior
- Safe Sex
- Risk-Taking
- Public Health
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
- Ill-Housed Persons
- Humans
- Health Surveys
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Sexual Behavior
- Safe Sex
- Risk-Taking
- Public Health
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
- Ill-Housed Persons
- Humans
- Health Surveys
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice