Acceptability of short text messages among HIV Exposure Prophylaxis users

Abstract

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a biomedical HIV prevention strategy with greater than 90% effectiveness among those with high rates of medication adherence. Since 2015, PrEP has been implemented worldwide as part of HIV prevention programs. However, the high rate of discontinuity of this strategy signals the existence of challenges for its adherence, being necessary to develop strategies that help in the adherence. Thus, this research project aims to longitudinally assess the acceptability of text messages among PrEP users and test their association with adherence. This is an excerpt from a prospective cohort study that aims to evaluate the use of PrEP as a predictor of increased sexual risk behavior and the incidence of STIs (non-HIV) among HIV-seronegative people, approved by FAPESP, regular aid, no. 2021/08247-1. In the present study, data will be collected individually in health service rooms and in a virtual environment. Each participant will receive 8 text messages over a period of up to 120 days, about adverse effects of PrEP, motivational messages for adherence and reminders for scheduled appointments, in addition to having a direct channel to solve any doubts about side effects, difficulties with administration of the medication or afflictions related to the use of such prophylaxis. During this period, there will be 2 assessments on the acceptability of these messages and their impact on users. We tested whether the systematic sending of text messages to PrEP users implies adherence, follow-up and continuity of prophylaxis. Descriptive statistics, association test and logistic regression will be used. All participants will be informed of the risks and benefits of participating in the study. Data collection will only take place after the written consent of the participants. It is hoped that this study may contribute with evidence of potential improvement in the coverage of care provided to people using PrEP in clinical follow-up in the unified health system.