Keywords

chemsex, HIV, men who have sex with men, preexposure prophylaxis, sexual behavior, sexually transmitted infections

 

Authors

  1. Nunes, Romulo Veloso MSc, RN
  2. de Araujo, Telma Maria Evangelista PhD, RN
  3. de Oliveira, Layze Braz PhD, RN
  4. Almeida, Priscilla Dantas PhD, RN
  5. Lima, Shirley Veronica Melo Almeida PhD, RN
  6. Magalhaes, Rosilane de Lima Brito PhD, RN
  7. Valle, Andreia Rodrigues Moura da Costa PhD, RN
  8. Fronteira, Ines PhD, MD
  9. Mendes, Isabel Amelia Costa PhD, RN
  10. de Sousa, Alvaro Francisco Lopes PhD, RN

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the sexual practices of men ages 50 years or older who have sex with men (MSM) and factors influencing their predisposition to use preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Brazil and Portugal with 718 MSM. Of these, 278 (38.7%) were categorized as being at high risk for HIV based on the HIV Incidence Risk Index (HIRI), and 418 (58.2%) expressed a predisposition to use PrEP. Overall, sociodemographic factors and specific sexual practices increased the likelihood of being classified as high risk for HIV, particularly sexual position and sexual activity. However, factors that influenced the predisposition to use PrEP included age group, receptive anal sex, knowledge of postexposure prophylaxis, high HIRI score, and a history of syphilis. These findings underscore the urgent need for health services to provide comprehensive and adequate attention to the realities of this population, considering its complexities and specificities.