In 2022, worldwide 1.3 million individuals were newly diagnosed with HIV, highlighting the urgency of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3.3) to end AIDS and other communicable diseases. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV, adherence rates remain below UNAIDS targets, even among key groups of the population such as men who have sex with men (MSM). In Portugal — a country with one of the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in Western Europe — PrEP adherence is low, and research on PrEP is needed. Using a mixed-methods approach, PrEParing4Health aims to inform evidence-based policy in Portugal by examining facilitators and barriers to PrEP awareness, uptake, and adherence among MSM. The project also explores the role of PrEP adherence in promoting sexual satisfaction and reducing HIV and PrEP-related stigma. Based on a review of reviews and a qualitative study with a sample of MSM living in Portugal, the presentation will focus on facilitators and barriers to PrEP awareness, uptake, and adherence across the PrEP care continuum. Common facilitators across the continuum include perceptions of HIV risk and social and institutional support. Barriers include a low perception of HIV risk and a perception of stigma. Therefore, by contextualizing PrEP within the Portuguese healthcare landscape PrEParing4Health aims to fill an important gap in our understanding of PrEP awareness, uptake, and adherence among MSM in Portugal, and provide valuable insights that can inform public health policy and practice.

--

pre-exposure prophylaxis,men who have sex with men,sexual health,regulatory focus,facilitators,barriers,public-policy