title: Awareness of and willingness to use oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples: a cross-sectional survey in Xinjiang, China.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to investigate the awareness of and willingness to use oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among HIV-negative partners in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples in Xinjiang, China and determine factors that predict willingness to use oral PrEP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between November 2009 and December 2010, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among 351 HIV-negative partners in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples from three cities in Xinjiang, China. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess their awareness of and willingness to use oral PrEP. Additionally, blood samples were collected to test for HIV infection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of willingness to use oral PrEP.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only 10 participants (2.8%) reported having heard of PrEP, and only two reported ever using PrEP. However, 297 (84.6%) reported that they were willing to use oral PrEP if it was proven to be both safe and effective. Results of multivariate analysis revealed the following independent predictors of willingness to use oral PrEP: monthly household income (adjusted odds ratio = 2.78, <1000 RMB vs. ≥ 1000 RMB, 95% confidence interval: 1.36-5.69), perceived likelihood of contracting HIV from HIV-positive partner (adjusted odds ratio = 2.63, likely vs. unlikely, 95% confidence interval: 1.12-6.19), and worrying about being discriminated against by others due to oral PrEP use (adjusted odds ratio = 9.43, No vs. Yes, 95% confidence interval: 3.78-23.50).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results showed HIV-negative partners in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples in China had low awareness of oral PrEP but high willingness to use oral PrEP for HIV prevention. Cost of oral PrEP should be taken into consideration in future PrEP prevention strategy. In addition, efforts should be made to reduce stigma attached to oral PrEP use, which may increase its acceptability among potential users.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China.
authors.forename: Peierdun
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mijiti
authors.forename: Dilixiati
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yahepu
authors.forename: Xiaoni
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhong
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Ting
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Zhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Zaiyinuer
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Abuduaili
authors.forename: Hongfang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Fanliang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Meng
authors.forename: Jianghong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dai
authors.forename: Ailong
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents