Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is a preventive strategy that involves administering antiretroviral medications to individuals at risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection before exposure. This study aimed to assess the socioepidemiological and clinical profile of PrEP users, focusing on investigating adverse effects, drug interactions and the emergence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Homosexuals, men who have sex with men (MSM), people who use drugs, sex workers, transgender people and HIV serodiscordant couples were the priority population segments for the use of PrEP. The objective was to identify the profile of users of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to HIV in the city of Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil. This is a retrospective quantitative descriptive study carried out in a reference unit in Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) at Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil, on coinfections, adverse effects and drug interactions. From 319 records analyzed, 84% were male (n=269), with mean age of 33 years and 62% (n=199) declared themselves to be men who have sex with men (MSM) and we observed a sparse number of transsexual individuals (n=2) using PrEP during the study period. Most PrEP users had an elevated level of education and were single. The presence of STIs was observed in 31.6%, with a predominance of syphilis (98%). In most users, no adverse effects were observed, and no drug interactions were detected between PrEP and other drugs used, data bolstering the safety of PrEP. Thus, results collaborated to identify groups less assisted by this approach and it is expected to favor the implementation of public policies that improve the reception of these groups. In addition, it is reinforced the need for actions to reduce the number of STIs among PrEP users.