Exploring the Interest and Intention to Use Long-Acting Injectable PrEP (LAI-PrEP) Among Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (GBMSM) in the Netherlands

Long-acting injectable PrEP (LAI-PrEP) provides opportunities to expand HIV prevention coverage in the Netherlands. Understanding which Dutch gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are interested in using LAI-PrEP when available can support HIV prevention efforts. Survey data was collected online via the PROTECT survey from 1,447 GBMSM in the Netherlands between October 2023 and March 2024. Multivariable logistic analysis was conducted to determine variables associated with GBMSM who intend to use LAI-PrEP when available. Interest and intention to use LAI-PrEP among Dutch GBMSM is high (76.1% and 73.9%) and among those currently on oral PrEP even higher (80.8% and 79.5%). GBMSM who intend to use LAI-PrEP have more sexual partners in the past 6 months (11-50 partners (aOR = 3.24; 95%CI: 1.54-6.85), 51-100 partners (aOR = 3.10; 95% CI: 1.20 to 8.30), more than 150 partners (aOR = 3.86; 95% CI: 1.74 to 8.67)), engage more in chemsex (aOR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.00 to 2.01), are less likely to fear LAI-PrEP side effects (aOR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.94;) or injection pain (aOR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.61 to 0.75) and more likely to believe they are at risk of acquiring HIV (aOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.45). If made available in the Netherlands, many GBMSM are likely to commence using LAI-PrEP, particularly current oral PrEP users or discontinued users. Sexually active Dutch GBMSM, who are already protecting themselves, may be the first group to use LAI-PrEP.