Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Acceptance among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW) in Malaysia: An Analysis from the Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance (IBBS) Survey 2022

Abstract

Background: The pre-emptive use of antiretroviral drugs, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), reduces the risk of contracting HIV if exposed to the virus. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptance of PrEP among MSM and TGW in Malaysia.

Methods: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method was used to conduct the IBBS survey between July and December 2022.

Results: Overall, 957 MSM and 504 TGW participated in the study. A total of 78.6% of MSM and 49.4% of TGW had heard about PrEP. A higher percentage of MSM (11.8%) reported using PrEP in the past 12 months, compared to 8.0% TGW. Among respondents, more MSM (57.6%) were interested in taking PrEP in the future than TGW (29.3%). Most respondents (72.5% MSM and 94.0% TGW) prefer condom over PrEP as HIV prevention.

Conclusion: In Malaysia, MSM and TGW still have a low level of acceptance for PrEP. Thus, more initiatives are needed to raise awareness about taking PrEP as a preventive measure.