Adherence to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in a specialized service in São Paulo, Brazil

The effectiveness of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) depends on adherence to the protocol, which includes taking antiretrovirals (ARVs) and attending visits. We examined the adherence rate to antiretroviral agents and follow-up visits identifying the associated characteristics of adherence and the reasons for not attending HIV PEP consultations in a specialized service in São Paulo, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study with health service users who had an indication for PEP due to sexual exposure in an HIV/AIDS service from April to October 2019. The health service users were followed-up throughout the prophylaxis cycle. Adherence was determined through self-reports on antiretroviral agent use and attendance to follow-up consultations. Association measures were employed to identify adherence-related characteristics. The sample analyzed included 91 users. The mean age was 32.5 years old (SD = 9.8). The largest share was white-skinned (49.5%), men who have sex with other men (62.2%), male (86.8%), and undergraduate/graduate students (65.9%). Adherence totaled 56.7% and health insurance was the associated characteristic (p = 0.039). Work (55.9%), using a private service (15.2%), forgetfulness (11.8%) and considering follow-up unnecessary (11.8%) were the main reasons for not attending the follow-up appointments. Few users do attend HIV PEP consultations. The users without health insurance had the highest adherence percentage whereas work was mentioned as a reason for not attending HIV PEP consultations.