When politics and medical science intersect, there can be much debate. Sometimes anecdotes or hearsay are misused as evidence to support a particular point. Despite these and other challenges, however, evidence-based approaches are increasingly used to inform health policy decision-making regarding causes of disease, intervention strategies, and issues impacting society. One example is the introduction of childhood vaccinations and the use of evidence-based arguments surrounding their safety.
In this Discussion, you will identify a recently proposed health policy and share your analysis of the evidence in support of this policy.
Full Answer Section
Analysis:
The evidence clearly shows that PrEP is a safe and effective HIV prevention tool. Expanding access to PrEP would be a wise public health policy decision that could help to reduce the number of new HIV infections in the United States.
According to the CDC, PrEP is recommended for all sexually active people at high risk for HIV infection, including:
- Men who have sex with men (MSM)
- People who inject drugs
- People with HIV-positive sexual partners
- People who have multiple sexual partners
- People who have had unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown
The CDC also recommends that people who are considering PrEP talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of PrEP, and to get tested for HIV before starting PrEP.
Expanding access to PrEP would be particularly beneficial for underserved populations, such as Black and Hispanic MSM, who are disproportionately affected by HIV. Expanding access to PrEP would also help to reduce the stigma associated with HIV, and to create a healthier society for all.
Conclusion:
The evidence in support of expanding access to PrEP is clear and compelling. This policy would be a wise investment in public health that could help to reduce the number of new HIV infections in the United States and to create a healthier society for all.
Sample Answer
Recently proposed health policy: Expanding access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV prevention
Evidence in support of this policy:
- PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV infection. In clinical trials, PrEP was shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 99% among people who took it correctly.
- PrEP is safe. PrEP has been studied extensively in clinical trials and real-world settings, and has been found to be very safe.
- PrEP is cost-effective. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that PrEP is more cost-effective than HIV treatment, and can save billions of dollars in healthcare costs over time.