PrEPThere’s no question that PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) has recently become a hot topic in HIV prevention. In our July/August issue, we asked readers to weigh in on their thoughts about the use of Truvada as a way for HIV-negative people to reduce their risk of infection. While most of you support PrEP as a prevention tool for HIV, the majority of readers still have some concerns. For more on PrEP, click here to read our feature story.

How knowledgeable are you about PrEP?
57% – Very knowledgeable
35% – Somewhat knowledgeable
8 % – Not at all knowledgeable

Do you support the use of PrEP as a prevention tool for HIV?
82% – Yes
12% – No

Top 5 Concerns About PrEP:
1.  People who need it will not be able to afford/access it
2. Side effects of the drug Truvada
3. People will misuse it and not take it as directed
4. Condomless sex will increase
5. May cause drug resistance

Do you think PrEP should be covered by all insurance plans?
91% – Yes
9% – No

Do you think there is stigma attached to taking PrEP?
72% – Yes
28% – No

Nearly 8 percent of readers stated that they had no concerns about PrEP. Here’s what others had to say…

  • Conservative political parties might block insurance access to the drug to those who need it most
  • PrEP will lead to a decrease in addressing behavioral risk factors
  • Enhances drug company profits and gives a false sense to some to be unsafe again
  • Against the idea of more drugs into bodies
  • Medical providers not educated about PrEP, making it hard to get a prescription
  • The majority of gay men (or MSM) are unaware of PrEP
  • Transforms HIV prevention into a commodity, putting those most vulnerable at higher risk
  • The most vocal champions of PrEP (urban, wealthy, educated, mostly white, HIV-negative gay men) distract from other populations who need it and for whom condoms may not be an option (e.g., people in prison, sex workers, etc.)


Source: July/August 2014 POZ