Page 118 - Ebook-Book JCMS 2025

Interest in Long-acting Injectable Pre-exposure Prophylaxis
(LA-PrEP) for Prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) Infection among University Students: A Survey Study
from a Large Public University in Thailand
Yanwadee Chitkoolsamphan1, Lanlalin Sojikul1, Phusayam Anurakwongsri1, Thana Khawcharoenporn2*
1 Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
2 Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
*Corresponding Author E-mail: thanak30@yahoo.com
Background: Abstract
The new long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LA-PrEP) provides better
adherence compared to oral PrEP for HIV prevention. However, interest in LA-PrEP among
Thai university students remains unstudied.
Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted in February 2025 among Thammasat
University students.
Results: Of the 379 students, 47% reported interests in using PrEP. The rates of PrEP interest were
significantly different between those with low, moderate and high risk for HIV acquisition
(42%, 58%, and 56%; P=0.017). The main reason for no PrEP interest was perception
of no risk (52%). The most preferred PrEP administration method was on-demand oral
PrEP (48%) while LA-PrEP including subcutaneous injection every 6 months (16%) and
intramuscular injection every 2 months (7%) were less preferred. Most participants (>80%)
would use LA-PrEP if its efficacy is at least 80%, the cost is within 5,000 baht/month and
the drug is included in the national list of essential medicines. The main reasons for not
using LA-PrEP were efficacy and cost concerns. In addition, males were more-likely to
report being afraid of injection than females (33% vs. 22%; P=0.016). Only 6% and 3% of
the students would use condoms less and have more sexual partners if they use LA-PrEP.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the associations between HIV risk and PrEP interest. LA-PrEP
was less preferred than oral PrEP given the concerns about efficacy, cost and adverse
effects from injections. Implementation of LA-PrEP among university students in Thailand
should take these findings into consideration.
116 Joint Conference in Medical Sciences 2025