HIV PrEP Knowledge, Interest and Uptake

Findings from the Tracks 2S/GBTQ+ Phase 3 (Sex Now 2024) survey

In summer 2024, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) collaborated with the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC) to conduct a survey on the health and well-being of Two-Spirit people, gay, bisexual, trans and queer men, and non-binary (2S/GBTQ+) people. Participants were recruited from 43 Pride and community events in 19 cities across all Canadian provinces.

What is HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)?

HIV PrEP is medication that people without HIV can take on an ongoing basis to prevent an HIV infection.

Who should consider HIV PrEP?

Individuals who are HIV negative and who participate in activities that have increased risk of exposure to HIV, such as sex without condoms, sex with the use of alcohol or drugs, sharing drug use equipment, and people with a history of other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.

Refer to the Biomedical prevention of HIV - HIV PrEP and HIV PEP to learn more about HIV PrEP.

Participants who may benefit from HIV PrEP

Sixty-three percent of participants (3,064/4,880) reported increased risk for HIV and may benefit from HIV PrEP.

Among the 3,064 participants who may benefit from HIV PrEP:

• 73% were gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men
• 70% were between the ages of 20 and 39 years old
• 37% experienced financial strain

Awareness and use of HIV PrEP among participants who may benefit (n=3,064)

• 85% were aware of HIV PrEP
• 29% were interested but not currently taking HIV PrEP
• 24% were currently on HIV PrEP

Reasons for not taking HIV PrEP

• 25% "It costs too much"
• 20% "Reduced (or no) sexual partners"
• 19% "I'm worried about side effects"
• 18% "I need more information"

Acknowledgements: The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions of participants who completed the survey; the staff at the Community-Based Research Centre and University of Victoria, and volunteers; and the National Microbiology Laboratory. The full published manuscript of survey results can be accessed here https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v52i10a04.