Publications Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Men Who have Sex with Men in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire: A Qualitative Evaluation of Acceptability

Un article de Sara Jeanne Pelletier et collègues, disponible en accès libre avec le soutien du RRSPQ (Concours de soutien à la publication 2018-2019). The Open AIDS Journal 2019, 13, 1-10.

Auteurs: Sara Jeanne Pelletier, Marie-Pierre Gagnon, Souleymane Diabaté, Ouffoué Kra, Yadjoro Josué Biékoua, Gbahonnon Dorothée Osso, Bamourou Diané, Méliane N’Dhatz-Ebagnitchié, Carin Ahouada, Michel Alary

Résumé des auteurs:

Background: HIV remains an important public health issue throughout the world. In Côte d’Ivoire, a high burden of HIV is observed in men who have sex with men (MSM). Objective: We assessed the acceptability of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: We conducted and analysed four focus groups with 31 HIV-negative MSM and eight in-depth individual interviews with participants recruited from the focus groups. Results: Four MSM (13%) were aware of PrEP before participating in the study. All the participants were interested in taking PrEP if available: 19 (61.3%) would prefer the daily regimen and 12 (38.7%) would opt for the on-demand regimen. Many advantages of PrEP were mentioned: protection in case of a condom break, protection in case of high-risk sexual behaviour, self-reliance, decreasing HIV fear and ease of use. Barriers to the use of PrEP included: it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), taking a pill regularly is necessary, the size of the pill, possibility of side effects, the cost and accessibility. Six participants (19.3%) admitted that they would use condoms less if they take PrEP. Conclusion: Findings indicate that PrEP is acceptable within the MSM community. Implementation should be done rapidly, and PrEP should be part of a global prevention program which includes counselling, STI screening and promotion of safe sex practices. Health authorities should consider PrEP for allnhigh-risk groups to avoid worsening stigmatization by targeting MSM only.