HIV Risk & Awareness & Interest in Pre-Exposure & Post-Exposure Prophylaxis among Sheltered Women in Miami

Pre- and non-occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for prevention of HIV infection are recommended for adults at substantial risk for HIV infection. Women experiencing homelessness have increased risk for 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 for HIV infection. Additional research to optimise implementation of biomedical prevention strategies in this population is needed.

Via: http://ht.ly/Sspuf  Purchase full article at: http://goo.gl/JMoxt0

By: Doblecki-Lewis S1, Lester L2, Schwartz B2, Collins C3, Johnson R3, Kobetz E4.

• 1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA sdoblecki@med.miami.edu.
• 2Department of Medical Education, MD/MPH Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
• 3Lotus House Women's Shelter, Miami, FL, USA.
• 4Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.