A study investigating the knowledge and awareness university students have surrounding Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and any stigma that surrounds taking it

Abstract

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a somewhat of a taboo topic in the UK with low public knowledge and awareness and research still emerging. PrEP is a revolutionary and highly effective new drug but the uptake levels are still lower than they should be. A higher understanding of PrEP is crucial. Educating in schools, universities and colleges would be extremely beneficial for the uptake of PrEP. The aim of this research was to investigate the knowledge and awareness of PrEP in young people and the stigma surrounding it. A total of 25 university students completed a online anonymous questionnaire, the questionnaire investigated the knowledge of what PrEP was, how it is used, the effectiveness of PrEP, their knowledge of HIV and AIDs, how sexually transmitted diseases are spread, where to access PrEP and the knowledge of stigma and self- stigma in university students. The main findings of the study were that most individuals had heard of PrEP and when trying to explain what it was used for or who would benefit most from it, answered the question wrong or did not know. Another main finding was that the majority of the participants knew how sexually transmitted infections were spread but did not know that PrEP was a preventive rather than treatment. It is evident that there needs to be more education and research to maintain the uptake of PrEP use. Even though my study was small scale I would hope that the research completed and the questions asked have contributed to some people researching PrEP and possibly even considering taking it in the future.