Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV is an emergency intervention recommended after potential exposures to the virus, aiming to prevent infection. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PEP through a systematic literature review with meta-analysis, in order to support evidence-based clinical practice. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase, between 2010 and 2024, using the descriptors “post-exposure prophylaxis”, “HIV”, “effectiveness” and “adherence”. Randomized clinical trials and observational studies with a control group that evaluated adherence and seroconversion rate after PEP use were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBIS tool, and meta-analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.4 software. Eighteen studies were included, totaling 12,456 participants. Meta-analysis showed that correct use of PEP reduced the risk of HIV infection by 87% (95%CI: 75–94%). Full adherence to the regimen was identified as a determining factor for prophylaxis success. There was a low rate of severe adverse events (2.1%), with nausea and fatigue being the most common. Studies with higher adherence showed better outcomes. Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV showed high effectiveness when used correctly and within 72 hours after exposure. Adherence to the therapeutic regimen and adequate counseling are fundamental elements for the success of the intervention, reinforcing the importance of health education and professional training.
Borges et al. (2026) studied this question.