A cross-sectional investigation of the factors associated with awareness of PEP and PrEP among Queensland university students.

OBJECTIVE

University creates unique social environments for many young people that can result in behaviour changes that can impact sexual health-related risks and facilitate transmission of HIV. Little is known about HIV knowledge, risk, and awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis/post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) among Australian university students.

METHODS

A 2019 online survey distributed through Queensland universities, using active recruitment/snowball sampling. Descriptive and logistical regression analysis investigated HIV knowledge/risk and PrEP/PEP awareness.

RESULTS

Of the 4,291 responses, 60.4% were 20-29 years old, 57.0% identified as heterosexual, and 31.8% were born-overseas. Mean HIV knowledge score was 9.8/12. HIV risk scores were higher among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) (mean=5.2/40) compared to all other sexual behaviours (mean=3.1/40). Logistic regression indicated PrEP and PEP awareness was associated with older age (p<0.05), being non-binary/gender-diverse (p<0.05), and MSM (p<0.05). Lower odds of PrEP awareness were associated with international student status (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the need for future health promotion targeting younger Australians at risk of HIV to increase uptake of PrEP/PEP, particularly among overseas-born young people and those ineligible for appropriate health care in Australia.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH

Addressing these gaps will improve sexual health outcomes for young Australians at risk of HIV and work towards virtual elimination of HIV transmission in Australia.