The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) in Bahia is set to launch a study this Friday (10) in Salvador, aimed at enhancing the prevention of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among adolescents and young people in peripheral areas. This initiative is both unprecedented and innovative, according to Fiocruz Bahia researcher and University of the State of Bahia (Uneb) professor, Laio Magno.
The study aims to test pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24, particularly gay men, transgender women, and transvestites. PrEP is a preventive method that uses antiretroviral medications before potential exposure to the virus, preparing the body to block HIV infection.
Professor Magno notes that men who have sex with men do not necessarily identify as gay and may assume different identities. The study will be conducted in Salvador and São Paulo, involving approximately 1,400 young participants.
In Salvador, the study is coordinated by professors Laio Magno and Inês Dourado from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), and in São Paulo, by Alexandre Granjeiro and Márcia Couto from the University of São Paulo’s (USP) Faculty of Preventive Medicine.
The project is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States, where it is also being developed by the University of Alabama, and is partnered with the Ministry of Health, state and municipal health departments, and civil society organizations.
Named PrEP in the Community (COmPrEP), the study stems from researchers’ experience with offering pre-exposure prophylaxis to adolescents in the country. Young people aged 15 to 24 are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection due to various factors, including difficulties accessing health services.
“Often, health service environments are not welcoming to these young people, especially those from diverse sexual and gender backgrounds. Our research records significant stigma and discrimination,” Magno emphasized.
According to the professor, based on Ministry of Health data, gay men, transgender women, and transvestites are the least likely to access health services.
“For instance, data from the Ministry of Health’s Previdência panel shows that only 0.2% of the population using PrEP in the country today are aged between 15 and 19. Conversely, we have observed that men in this age group are the most affected by HIV infection, with the highest incidence rates. Accessing this population is a major challenge.”
Researchers will test community-based pre-test offerings by peer educators, who are young people from the community trained and supervised by health professionals.
Professor Magno believes the effect will be positive for the continued use of prophylaxis, compared to standard health service care provided solely by health professionals.
Participants will be divided between two care models: the traditional model, conducted in health units, and the community model, with PrEP offered by peer educators and supervised by a clinical team.
The follow-up will last up to 12 months, evaluating indicators such as initiation, adherence, and continuation of prophylaxis use.
The pilot study is expected to be ready by next June, with recruitment of participants in the field starting between September and October. Social spaces for recruitment have already been identified in Salvador and São Paulo, central locations in both cities where these young people gather.
“We conducted mapping in the cities, researching to understand social spaces and how these young people interact within the community. Educators will operate in these social spaces.”
Youths who agree to participate in the research will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group for PrEP provision in health services. Final results are anticipated by 2028.
Source: Agência Brasil.
Original published at O Cafezinho.