Adapting behavioural surveillance to antiretroviral-based HIV prevention: reviewing and anticipating trends in the Australian Gay Community Periodic Surveys

• DOI: 10.1071/sh16072
• Publication Date: 2016-08-28T23:02:48Z
• Authors: Martin Holt; Toby Lea; Limin Mao; Iryna Zablotska; Evelyn Lee; John B. F. de Wit; Garrett Prestage
• Keywords: Thrush; Genitourinary medicine; Genital warts

Background In Australia, the preventative use of antiretroviral drugs [pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment as prevention] is being embraced to protect individuals at high risk HIV reduce onward transmission.The adaptation a behavioural surveillance system, Gay Community Periodic Surveys, was reviewed monitor uptake effect new prevention strategies in Australia's primary HIV-affected population (gay bisexual men, GBM). The national trends key indicators during 2000-15 were measure take account antiretroviral-based developed.Between 2000 2015, there significant increases (P<0.001) annual testing (56.1-64.8%), condomless sex with casual partners (26.8-38.8%) proportion HIV-positive men on (72.5-88.4%) an undetectable viral load (73.7-94.7%). who negative, not PrEP engaged receptive also increased between 2015 from 12.8 19.3%. Two scenarios anticipating highlighted need target GBM engage while sustaining condom level.Behavioural can be successfully adapted follow prevention. It anticipated that will continue increase among Australian GBM, but prevent infections, intervention growing have needed. For its desired effect, needs sustained.