Sexually Transmitted Infections in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Patients

Abstract

Background and Objective: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively prevents the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is a disease primarily contracted by men who have sex with men or the sharing of needles, syringes, and other drug injection equipment. However, there are some disparities over the thought that PrEP patients have a disproportionate incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared with non-PrEP patients. This study aims to clarify the disparity and identify if PrEP patients have a higher incidence of STIs. Methods: A survey of 143 respondents was conducted on STI incidence, risk factors, and abstinence from May 13, 2022, to June 20, 2022. The results were analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS V28.0.0.0). SPSS was used to analyze the descriptive statistics associated with STI data obtained from the Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command, Camp Lejeune, Community Health Clinic Patient and Laboratory Tracker. Results: This study found a higher incidence of STIs among PrEP patients than non-PrEP patients and a statistical significance (p = 0.010) between the number of partners a person had sex with over the past year and the lifetime incidence of STIs. Portions of the data in the linear regression were used to calculate the significance and can be used as a predictor of STIs based on the number of partners a person has. This can help patients within this community understand their actual risk of contracting an STI based on a potential risk factor. Conclusion and Implications for Translation: This study found a higher incidence of STIs among PrEP patients than non-PrEP patients. Additionally, the study can help public health professionals understand the risks associated with military patients who take PrEP and target specific risk factors that influence the disparity in the incidence of STIs. Future studies may use survey data from this study to understand the implications of other risk factors and their association with STIs. Public health professionals can also use these data to develop a predictive index for many risk factors. A predictive index on STI risk is an extremely valuable tool as it allows users to view their risk of obtaining an STI.