TY - JOUR

T1 - Questioning risk compensation

T2 - pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men, capital region of Denmark, 2019 to 2022

AU - von Schreeb, Sebastian

AU - Pedersen, Susanne Kriegel

AU - Christensen, Hanne

AU - Jørgsensen, Kristina Melbardis

AU - Harritshøj, Lene Holm

AU - Hertz, Frederik Boetius

AU - Ahlström, Magnus Glindvad

AU - Lebech, Anne Mette

AU - Lunding, Suzanne

AU - Nielsen, Lars Nørregaard

AU - Gerstoft, Jan

AU - Kronborg, Gitte

AU - Engsig, Frederik N.

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). All rights reserved.

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively prevents HIV, but its association with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has raised concerns about risk compensation, potentially impacting the expansion of PrEP programmes. Aim: We examined the relationship between PrEP and the incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we compared STI rates before and after PrEP initiation among users in the capital region of Denmark (2019–2022), calculating incidence rate ratios adjusted for age and testing frequency (aIRR). To pinpoint when increases began, we plotted weekly STI rates, adjusting the timeline to correspond with PrEP initiation. Results: The study included 1,326 PrEP users with a median age of 35 years. The STI incidence rate per 100,000 person-years rose from 35.3 before to 81.2 after PrEP start, with an aIRR of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.18–1.56). Notably, this increase preceded PrEP initiation by 10–20 weeks. Specific aIRR for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis were 1.23 (95% CI: 1.03–1.48), 1.24 (95% CI: 1.04–1.47) and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.76–1.72), respectively. In subanalyses for anatomical sites aIRR was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.01–1.56) for rectal chlamydia and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.45–0.96) for genital gonorrhoea. Conclusion: We found a 35% increase in STI incidence associated with PrEP use. It started before PrEP initiation, challenging the assumption that PrEP leads to risk compensation. Instead, the data suggest that individuals seek PrEP during periods of heightened sexual risk-taking. Consequently, PrEP programmes should include sexual health consultations, STI testing, treatment and prevention strategies to prevent HIV and improve sexual health.

AB - Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively prevents HIV, but its association with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has raised concerns about risk compensation, potentially impacting the expansion of PrEP programmes. Aim: We examined the relationship between PrEP and the incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we compared STI rates before and after PrEP initiation among users in the capital region of Denmark (2019–2022), calculating incidence rate ratios adjusted for age and testing frequency (aIRR). To pinpoint when increases began, we plotted weekly STI rates, adjusting the timeline to correspond with PrEP initiation. Results: The study included 1,326 PrEP users with a median age of 35 years. The STI incidence rate per 100,000 person-years rose from 35.3 before to 81.2 after PrEP start, with an aIRR of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.18–1.56). Notably, this increase preceded PrEP initiation by 10–20 weeks. Specific aIRR for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis were 1.23 (95% CI: 1.03–1.48), 1.24 (95% CI: 1.04–1.47) and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.76–1.72), respectively. In subanalyses for anatomical sites aIRR was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.01–1.56) for rectal chlamydia and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.45–0.96) for genital gonorrhoea. Conclusion: We found a 35% increase in STI incidence associated with PrEP use. It started before PrEP initiation, challenging the assumption that PrEP leads to risk compensation. Instead, the data suggest that individuals seek PrEP during periods of heightened sexual risk-taking. Consequently, PrEP programmes should include sexual health consultations, STI testing, treatment and prevention strategies to prevent HIV and improve sexual health.

U2 - 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.13.2300451

DO - 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.13.2300451

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 38551099

AN - SCOPUS:85189135379

VL - 29

JO - Eurosurveillance

JF - Eurosurveillance

SN - 1025-496X

IS - 13

M1 - 2300451

ER -