Understanding the Uptake and Outcomes of Non-occupational Postexposure Prophylaxis Use Through an Online Medical Platform in China: Web-Based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: To date, non-occupational postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) has been widely accepted as a safe and effective intervention for HIV in many countries, yet it remains an underutilized prevention strategy in China. Evidence indicated a high demand for PEP among Chinese men who have sex with men, but the uptake and access to PEP service remain limited. In an era of rapid development of web-based technology, online medical platforms in China hold great promise in facilitating PEP provision and delivery by addressing problems such as accessibility, convenience, privacy protection, and antidiscrimination by integrating online and offline resources. However, there is a paucity of data concerning the uptake and outcomes of online PEP in China. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore online PEP service provision and understand PEP uptake and outcome through a web-based cross-sectional study. Methods: From January 2020 to June 2021, we conducted a retrospective web-based survey among those seeking online PEP services via the internet medical platform “HeHealth” using a structured questionnaire. Participants were surveyed on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual and drug-related behaviors, history of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) usage, and PEP uptake. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression. P values