Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention involves giving antiretroviral medications to HIV-negative people to prevent seroconversion after HIV exposure. Available literature suggests this intervention is >80% effective. Accordingly, we implemented a nurse-led PEP program in two sexually transmitted and HIV testing clinics. As part of evaluating this project, we undertook semistructured interviews with participants who accessed PEP to understand their experiences. Twelve men participated: all were HIV-negative males who sought PEP for condomless anal sex with men. Unique to this article is the presentation of the participants' descriptions of the “side effects” they experienced. Notably, the main side effect they described related to emotional distress. Simply put, having to take a medication for 28 days forced reflection and introspection on their sexual decision-making. We feel HIV prevention workers should consider this emotional reaction when designing interventions, and ensure they provide adequate preparation and support to patients.

中文翻译：

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HIV PEP使用的“副作用”：对性决策的强迫反思和内省。

预防艾滋病毒的暴露后预防（PEP）涉及向HIV阴性的人提供抗逆转录病毒药物，以防止暴露于HIV后的血清转化。现有文献表明这种干预有效> 80％。因此，我们在两家性传播和HIV检测诊所实施了护士主导的PEP计划。作为评估该项目的一部分，我们对参加PEP的参与者进行了半结构化访谈，以了解他们的经验。有十二名男性参加：所有人都是艾滋病毒阴性男性，他们为与男性进行无避孕套性交而寻求PEP。本文的独特之处在于介绍了参与者对他们所经历的“副作用”的描述。值得注意的是，他们描述的主要副作用与情绪困扰有关。简单的说，不得不服药28天，迫使他们反思自己的性决策。我们认为，艾滋病毒预防工作人员在设计干预措施时应考虑这种情绪反应，并确保他们为患者提供充分的准备和支持。