10.1371/journal.pone.0185398
Stefanie J. Vaccher
Stefanie J.
Vaccher
Andrew E. Grulich
Andrew
E. Grulich
Bridget G. Haire
Bridget G.
Haire
Damian P. Conway
Damian
P. Conway
Isobel M. Poynten
Isobel M.
Poynten
Catriona Ooi
Catriona
Ooi
Rosalind Foster
Rosalind
Foster
David J. Templeton
David
J. Templeton
Iryna B. Zablotska
Iryna
B. Zablotska
Validation of participant eligibility for pre-exposure prophylaxis: Baseline data from the <i>PRELUDE</i> demonstration project
Public Library of Science
2017
enrolment
paper-based risk assessment tool
GBM
individual
HIV prevention benefits
PrEP eligibility criteria
New South Wales
pre-exposure prophylaxis
behavioural survey
HIV infection
PRELUDE demonstration project Background
participant
NSW
HIV risk profile
Conclusions Behavioural eligibility criteria
clinician
2017-09-26 17:36:30
Dataset
https://plos.figshare.com/articles/dataset/Validation_of_participant_eligibility_for_pre-exposure_prophylaxis_Baseline_data_from_the_i_PRELUDE_i_demonstration_project/5444815
<div><p>Background</p><p>In Australia, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is targeted to individuals at high risk for HIV infection. We describe the HIV risk profile and characteristics of <i>PRELUDE</i> participants, and evaluate the population validity of the sample in representing high-risk gay and bisexual men (GBM) eligible for PrEP.</p><p>Methods</p><p><i>PRELUDE</i> is an on-going, open-label, single-arm observational study. Participants were identified in clinics and screened for eligibility using a paper-based risk assessment tool which followed the New South Wales (NSW) PrEP guidelines. Selection was validated using an independent online behavioural survey, completed by study participants upon enrolment. Demographic information was analysed using descriptive statistics, and kappa tests were used to determine agreement between reporting of high-risk practices in the risk assessment and behavioural survey.</p><p>Results</p><p>During 2014–15, 471 individuals were targeted for enrolment; 341 were assessed for PrEP eligibility and 313 were enrolled. Of these, 303 (97%) identified as GBM. Overall, 85% of GBM met at least one high-risk criterion; 68% reported receptive intercourse with an HIV-positive or unknown status casual male partner, and 37% reported methamphetamine use in the three months preceding enrolment. The remaining 15% were enrolled based on medium-risk behaviours, or at the clinicians’ discretion. We found an 82% total agreement between self-reported high-risk behaviour and clinicians’ categorisation of GBM as being at high risk for HIV based on PrEP eligibility criteria.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Behavioural eligibility criteria used by clinicians successfully identified individuals at high risk for HIV infection. This targeted approach ensures that the greatest public health and HIV prevention benefits can be derived in a setting without universal access to PrEP.</p></div>