HIV risk and awareness and interest in pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis among sheltered women in Miami.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

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.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Doblecki-Lewis, S; Lester, L; Schwartz, B; Collins, C; Johnson, R; Kobetz, E

Published Date

  • September 2016

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 27 / 10

Start / End Page

  • 873 - 881

PubMed ID

  • 26384947

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1758-1052

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1177/0956462415601304

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • England