Effect of pre-exposure prophylaxis on risky sexual behaviour of female sex workers in Dakar, Senegal: A randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

HIV prevention through pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may encourage riskier sexual behaviours that undermine the protection afforded by PrEP and generate negative spillovers through sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Tests for such risk compensatory behaviour in high-risk populations, such as female sex workers (FSWs), are lacking. This study aims to assess whether risk compensatory behaviours were observed among FSWs in Senegal after the rollout of PrEP.

Methods and findings

In a randomised controlled trial with a Zelen design, we stratified FSWs in Dakar (Senegal) by self-reported sexual risk-taking and prior PrEP experience and randomly assigned them to immediate referral for oral PrEP (Treatment) from 7 September 2021 to end January 2022 or delayed PrEP

SUBMITTER: Toh W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12407539 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature