Awareness and acceptance of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV among undergraduate students in a private medical university in Malaysia

Background:Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an evidence-based strategy recommended for at-risk-populations for prevention of HIV transmission.However, the level of PrEP awareness and acceptance among Malaysian undergraduate students is currently unknown. Objectives:To assess the sexual activities, sexual behaviors, risk perception, awareness, and acceptance of PrEP of medical compared to non-medical students in a private medical university. Method:Demographic data, sexuality, sexual activity and behaviors, source of HIV knowledge, self-perceived risk of HIV, awareness and acceptance of PrEP were collected using an online anonymous survey among medical and non-medical students at a private medical university.Descriptive, comparative and regression analyses were performed where applicable.A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 369 (187 medical, 182 non-medical) students responded.The median age was 22 with female:male ratio of 2:1.Eighty-one (22%) were sexually active of which 54% used condoms inconsistently, 58% had condomless sex in the preceding six months and 35% had casual or transactional sex.Despite this, 33 perceived themselves to be at low risk of HIV.Most learned about HIV from their coursework.PrEP awareness was 40% versus 20% while PrEP acceptance was 69% versus 67%, between medical and non-medical students, respectively. Conclusion:Awareness of PrEP among medical students was low and even lower among non-medical students.PrEP acceptance was fair after viewing an introductory video on PrEP.PrEP must be included in the course curriculum.Studies to identify reasons for PrEPhesitancy should be conducted to help guide policies and initiatives toward promoting PrEP as an additional tool in HIV prevention.