The International Journal of Medical Science and Health Research
Vol. 42 No. 2 (2026): The International Journal of Medical Science and Health Research

Effectiveness of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) Integrated into Venereology Services : A Systematic Review

Jerymia Bangun (Unknown)
Wynna Manami (Unknown)
Zahra Astriantani Sulih (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for HIV prevention, but optimal service delivery models remain unclear. Integrating PrEP into venereology and sexual health services offers a promising approach to reach at-risk populations, yet real-world effectiveness, uptake, retention, and implementation outcomes vary substantially across settings. Methods: This systematic review synthesized 80 studies examining PrEP integration into venereology, sexual health, and STI clinics across North America, Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. We included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, demonstration projects, and implementation research reporting outcomes on PrEP uptake, adherence, retention, HIV incidence, STI outcomes, and service delivery innovations. Results: Integrated PrEP services demonstrated high HIV prevention effectiveness, with incidence rates ranging from 0.13 to 0.24 per 100 person-years and risk reductions of 86–90% in large trials (1,3,14). However, uptake varied substantially: 57.1% in England (1), 14.9% among US women (6), 40.6% in Kenyan family planning clinics (12), and 98.1% in a Paris hospital (13). Retention declined steeply over time, from 57% at 1 month to 23% at 12 months in Kenyan public clinics (14,15), but reached 85.9% at 12 months in a Thai community program (16). Self-reported adherence significantly overestimated biomarker-confirmed adherence, especially among people who inject drugs (77% vs 3% with protective levels) (57). STI incidence was high (68.1/100 person-years in England) but concentrated in a minority of users (24% accounted for 79.5% of diagnoses) (1). Telehealth, peer navigation, and dynamic choice models improved outcomes. Long-acting injectable PrEP showed 60.9% full adherence in early implementation (66). Discussion: Integration effectiveness depends critically on population-specific barriers, implementation support intensity, and retention strategies. Settings with comprehensive support (monthly counseling, SMS reminders, community delivery) achieved far better retention than basic integration into existing infrastructure. Self-reported adherence is unreliable, particularly in marginalized populations. STI increases often reflect intensified surveillance rather than true risk compensation. Conclusion: Integrating PrEP into venereology services is effective and feasible, but success requires tailored, multi-component implementation strategies. Retention, not just initiation, is the critical intervention target. Biomarker-validated adherence monitoring and enhanced support for younger, socioeconomically deprived users are essential.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijmhsr

Publisher

Subject

Dentistry Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

The International Journal of Medical Science and Health Research, published by International Medical Journal Corp. Ltd. is dedicated to providing physicians with the best research and important information in the world of medical research and science and to present the information in a format that ...