Barriers to access HIV post-exposure prophylaxis: a case study

Abstract

Objective

To explore barriers to access HIV post-exposure prophylaxis perceived by users and professionals.

Methods

This is an exploratory, qualitative study. The research participants were medical professionals and nurses involved in the prophylaxis protocol in Reference Centers and prevention users, totaling 10 participants, a sample defined by data saturation. The recorded interviews were transcribed and later processed by the Descending Hierarchical Classification and by similitude analysis.

Results

Five classes were obtained: Information; Access centralization; Service flow; Interpersonal relationships in healthcare services; Difficulties and barriers. There are several factors that hinder access to prevention, which permeate knowledge, reception and dissemination of information. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these problems are aggravated and increase the vulnerability of possible users of prophylaxis.

Conclusion

Access to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis faces challenges and barriers, ranging from lack of knowledge about prophylaxis, which makes it impossible to pursue it, to the centralization of healthcare services and stigmas that permeate the structures of healthcare services.

HIV infections; Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Post-exposure prophylaxis; Barriers to access of health services