P283\u2005Differences in risk perception and risk behavior between PrEP-using and non-PrEP-using MSM in the Netherlands

Abstract

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake has remained low among men who have sex with men (MSM) eligible for PrEP in the Netherlands, which could partly be due to stigma associated with taking PrEP. Perceptions about PrEP users (e.g., PrEP users have an increased rate of (condomless) sexual encounters) may modify mixing behavior and subsequently affect dynamics of HIV and STIs. We investigated whether HIV and STI risk perception, risk behavior, and partner selection depend on PrEP usage. Methods We analyzed sexual behavior and PrEP data from 426 HIV-negative MSM who participated in the Flash! PrEP in Europe survey in the Netherlands in 2016. We distinguished between current PrEP users (n=29), men interested in PrEP (n=267), and men not interested in PrEP (n=130). We tested differences between these 3 groups in risk perception and sexual behavior variables using ANOVA and Chi-squared test. Results Mean age of participants was 42 yrs (range= 18–75); 85% were born in the Netherlands. PrEP users and men not interested in PrEP consider their risk of acquiring HIV low, while men interested in PrEP consider their risk higher (p Conclusion PrEP users engage in sexual behavior with higher risk of STI acquisition than non-PrEP users. Men not interested in PrEP are less open for sexual encounters with PrEP users than men in other groups. Therefore, perceptions of PrEP users and non-PrEP users may change mixing patterns and thus STI dynamics.