SIN-PrEP
SIN-PrEP is a qualitative (interview-based) study that explores the experience of PrEP and its perceived effects on safe sex culture.
There is sound evidence that PrEP is an effective HIV prevention intervention if it is taken consistently. This study aims to document the impacts of PrEP from a range of perspectives – those taking PrEP (through trials or personal importation), those prescribing PrEP (through trials or personal importation), and those whose sexual partners are or may be taking PrEP.
The important questions we are trying to answer is, how does PrEP affect sexual negotiation, and how should health promotion evolve to accommodate this?
Why is this study important in Australia?
Many consider PrEP to be a ‘game changer’ for HIV prevention. An in-depth understanding of how PrEP is being utilised within sex cultures currently will help in the development of appropriate health promotion to support wider rollout of this intervention.
Study sponsor and ethics approval
This study is being conducted by researchers from the Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia and ACON. It has ethics approval from UNSW Australia and ACON, reference number, HC15305. Funding for the study is provided by UNSW Australia and the AIDS Trust of Australia.
Recruitment
This study will recruit between 5 and 20 participants from each of the following groups:
- Sydney-based gay men taking PrEP (through clinical trials OR personal importation)
- Sydney-based women taking PrEP (through clinical trials OR personal importation)
- Sydney-based HIV positive gay men whose sex partners are or may be taking PrEP
- Sydney-based HIV negative gay men whose sex partners are or may be taking PrEP
- Australian-based healthcare providers involved in the provision of PrEP
- Australian-based HIV sector professionals involved in PrEP policy and advocacy.
If you decide to take part, you would be asked to participate in an interview of 1 hours’ duration, where you would be asked about:
- Your views on PrEP;
- Adherence issues and management of the HIV and sexual health testing that accompanies PrEP (if applicable); and
- Your experiences as to whether how PrEP changes sexual negotiation, and your perceptions of how this impacts on ‘safe sex culture’.
- You will also be asked whether you consent to being contacted for a follow-up interview in 9-12 months’ time.
- Healthcare providers and HIV sector professionals may also be invited to participate in a focus group of 1.5 hours’ duration.
This results of this study will be used to design effective health promotion for PrEP users, and to advocate for equitable access to PrEP for people at risk of HIV in Australia.
