Sexual health clinic attendees' views on antibiotic post-exposure prophylaxis and vaccinations for sexually transmitted infections prevention: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: The rising prevalence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is cause for concern in the context of antimicrobial resistance and the potential health outcomes of untreated infections.

Objective: The Community Awareness and Surveillance of Transmission (CAST) study sought sexual health service users' views on reducing the prevalence of STIs.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sexual health clinic attendees who had received a diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea or syphilis in the previous six months. Participant comments relating to antibiotic post-exposure prophylaxis (APEP) and vaccination were inductively coded, then compared using comparative qualitative data analysis methods described by Miles and Huberman.

Findings: Twenty-one participants with differing genders, ages, nationalities and sexual orientations, were interviewed. Participants across informant groups expressed concerns about APEP for STI prevention because of potential antimicrobial resistance and personal health impacts. Vaccination against bacterial STIs was more acceptable. Common factors mentioned in relation to both interventions included perception of individual STI risk over time, safety, effectiveness and accessibility.

Conclusions: The views of sexual health service users support efforts to find alternatives to more frequent use of antibiotics, such as vaccinations against bacterial STIs, to reduce STI incidence and support antimicrobial stewardship.

Keywords: Health knowledge, attitudes, practice; Heterosexuality; Sexual and gender minorities; Sexual behavior; Sexual health; Sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial.