Awareness of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis after sexual exposure and emergency hormonal contraception in HIV-positive women

Int J STD AIDS. 2008 Jan;19(1):14-5. doi: 10.1258/ijsa.2007.007159.

Abstract

Women attending a dedicated medical gynaecology and family planning referral clinic for women with HIV were surveyed using a standard questionnaire about their knowledge and attitudes to post-exposure prophylaxis after sexual exposure (PEPSE) and emergency hormonal contraception (EHC). Eighty percent of them had not heard of PEPSE, but once informed about it, 86% said they would inform a partner about it. Less than 10% had any idea of the duration of effectiveness. Seventy-three percent of the women knew about EC and 45% of them had used it previously. Ninety-eight percent of them would use it in the future if necessary. Eighty percent of them knew its period of effectiveness. There is a clear need for information about PEPSE, which needs to be delivered around the time of HIV diagnosis and reinforced later. Some women will need help in discussing it with HIV-negative partners.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chemoprevention*
  • Contraception, Postcoital / methods*
  • Contraceptives, Postcoital / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Contraceptives, Postcoital