Mental Health, Stigma and Risk Perception Among Early Adopters of HIV PrEP with LA Cabotegravir in Italy: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional and Implementation Study.
Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) offers an alternative to oral PrEP, with potential benefits for adherence and stigma reduction. We investigated behavioral and psychosocial factors among early CAB-LA adopters in Italy, focusing on mental health, stigma, and prevention practices.
In a multicentre study, participants initiating CAB-LA completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires (weeks 4-20) assessing mental health, stigma, and prevention behaviors. Descriptive statistics summarized findings.
Of the 388 respondents, most (302, 89.2%) had prior experience with injectable medications, and 256 (75.9%) described these experiences positively. About half (198, 58.7%) reported recreational drug use, while 42 (12.4%) and 72 (21.3%) reported depressive and anxiety symptoms. Nearly one in four (78, 23.2%) were actively engaged in psychotherapy, while an additional 98 (28.9%) reported past engagement. Consistent condom use declined over time, with selective strategies increasing. A strong preference for biannual injections emerged (235, 69.8%), primarily administered in clinical settings (103, 30.5%). PrEP-related stigma was reported by 72 (21.3%) (strangers and friends as the most common sources), though some decline was observed during follow-up.
CAB-LA PrEP shows high acceptability, adherence, and evolving prevention practices. Although its discreet delivery may alleviate some concerns about visibility and disclosure, integration with mental health support and stigma-sensitive care is essential.
In a multicentre study, participants initiating CAB-LA completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires (weeks 4-20) assessing mental health, stigma, and prevention behaviors. Descriptive statistics summarized findings.
Of the 388 respondents, most (302, 89.2%) had prior experience with injectable medications, and 256 (75.9%) described these experiences positively. About half (198, 58.7%) reported recreational drug use, while 42 (12.4%) and 72 (21.3%) reported depressive and anxiety symptoms. Nearly one in four (78, 23.2%) were actively engaged in psychotherapy, while an additional 98 (28.9%) reported past engagement. Consistent condom use declined over time, with selective strategies increasing. A strong preference for biannual injections emerged (235, 69.8%), primarily administered in clinical settings (103, 30.5%). PrEP-related stigma was reported by 72 (21.3%) (strangers and friends as the most common sources), though some decline was observed during follow-up.
CAB-LA PrEP shows high acceptability, adherence, and evolving prevention practices. Although its discreet delivery may alleviate some concerns about visibility and disclosure, integration with mental health support and stigma-sensitive care is essential.
Authors
Duca Duca, Moschese Moschese, Maresca Maresca, Fusetti Fusetti, Esvan Esvan, Cossu Cossu, Giacinta Giacinta, Lazzarin Lazzarin, Barchi Barchi, Caruso Caruso, Micheli Micheli, Gervasoni Gervasoni, Giacomelli Giacomelli, Antinori Antinori, Gori Gori, Mazzotta Mazzotta
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