PERCEIVED RISK TO HIV, AWARENESS, AND ACCEPTANCE OF PrEP AMONG NEW CLIENTS AT A PRIVATE CLINIC IN KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA.

Abstract

Background: The HIV epidemic in Malaysia affects the general population at the prevalence rate of 0.4% as of 2019. There were 87,000 reported cases of HIV among the key populations (individuals who inject drugs, female sex workers, transgender individuals, and men who have sex with men) in Malaysia since the first case of AIDS was detected here in 1986. A newer and more effective prevention method known as Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is now available. Objective: The study aims to find out whether there is a significant correlation between socio-demographic characteristics and HIV risk profile with HIV risk perception, awareness, and acceptance of Pre-Exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among new clients at a private clinic in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional research design that included a structured self-administered physical survey for the data collection. The study population included 384 participants who had recently visited a private clinic for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) check-up. Consecutive sampling was utilised. Results: The study discovered that the respondents had an adequate HIV risk perception. However, the risk perception could not prevent a large group, specifically 156 (48.8%, N=320) of the respondents from engaging in unprotected sex. The engagement of respondents in unprotected sex despite their high HIV risk perception could be attributed to negligence on their part. The study also discovered that the level of education significantly affects one’s level of acceptance of PrEP. Furthermore, the study discovered that the risk perception of the respondents varies based on each respondent’s sexual acts, and the PrEP awareness of the respondents does not vary based on their sexual acts. Also, race, religion, and employment status significantly affect the level of awareness of PrEP. Finally, gender, race, education, employment, and income levels significantly affect HIV risk perception. Conclusion: The risk perception of the respondents was noted to be lesser in students and high income groups. It also varies based on each respondent’s sexual acts, and the PrEP awareness of the respondents does not vary based on their sexual acts. The study's results will be useful at both the individual and organisational levels. Local researchers might utilise the data obtained to create a prediction model on the acceptance and willingness to take PrEP in the fight against HIV. Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Homosexuality, Pre-exposure prophylaxis, Behaviour, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Sexual Behaviour.