Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. We conducted interviews with 23 MSWs in Mexico City to examine their subjective understandings about their sexual risk behaviors and explore opportunities about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP as a prevention approach in this group.
Despite knowledge about sexual HIV risks, most participants reported condomless anal sex with clients. There was very little prior knowledge about PrEP, but very high interest in using a daily pill for prevention. Several participants expected an increase in condomless anal sex if taking PrEP, because of monetary incentives from clients or a perceived increase in pleasure.
Additionally, seasonal sex workers expressed interest in using PrEP only during months when they were performing sex work. Additionally, MSWs have higher rates of drug including stimulants and alcohol use, psychosocial conditions e.
Given that HIV risk in this population is complex, it cannot be addressed through condom distribution alone. Barriers to preventive HIV care included a de-prioritization of health concerns during periods of substance use or relative to other basic needs, as well as apprehension about sexual partners being unsupportive of PrEP use K.
Biello et al. Notably, the participants included in these studies were not from low- or middle-income countries LMIC. Considering the state of the HIV epidemic among MSWs in Mexico City and the ongoing demonstration project, we conducted qualitative interviews with male sex workers to better understand the state of awareness and interest in this prevention modality among this community. Recruitment was carried out during regularly scheduled street outreach at a large public park known for street-based male sex work, in conjunction with an outreach staff member.
