Evaluating the Attitudes of Men who Have Sex with Men in Asia towards PrEP Use

In Asia, the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) has intensified, with high infection rates, particularly in urban centers. Within this context, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as an additional tool with the potential to help local and global efforts reach prevention targets. HIV service providers are ready and eager to provide PrEP to those at high risk and pilot projects within the region are already looking to scale up to the national level.

Despite the high hopes that this new tool brings to the fight against HIV, there remains much work to be done, not only in terms of increasing access and improving delivery systems, but also in terms of public outreach among potential users. Overall, there is a general gap in terms of knowledge and information regarding how PrEP is viewed and understood within MSM communities. APCOM, along with its network partners, is committed to helping fill these gaps.

This report is the culmination of a survey conducted by APCOM to assess the attitudes and practices towards PrEP use among MSM in Asia. The survey was conducted from July to August 2015, prior to PrEParing Asia – the region’s first community-led dialogue in PrEP roll out, organised by APCOM on 23rd to 25th of September. The survey questionnaires were designed based on the MSMGF global survey, with input from PrEP technical and steering committees. Purposeful sampling was conducted through APCOM’s network, social media and website. While potential selection bias should be acknowledged, the data nonetheless presents insight that may be helpful in guiding future actions.

Read the analysis of the survey feedback here.

See also:

+ Evaluating the Attitudes of Healthcare Providers in Asia towards PrEP Prescription

+ Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) 101