scholarly journals The relevance of pre-exposure prophylaxis in gay men’s lives and their motivations to use it: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge L. Alcantar Heredia ◽  
Shelly Goldklank
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Peace Of Mind ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Primary Determinant ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background HIV has affected gay men disproportionately in the U.S. for four decades. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was developed as a prevention strategy for individuals at high risk of HIV infection. Although highly effective, many gay and other men who have sex with men continue not to take PrEP. Researchers have focused on sexual risk behaviors as the primary determinant of who should be on PrEP and identified various objective systemic and societal barriers to PrEP access. Public health measures have promoted PrEP based on these objective criteria. Researchers have recently begun to inquire into subjective and relational motivators for PrEP usage beyond self-perceived risk. Methods Participants were recruited through snowball sampling. Data were collected between August and November 2018 from PrEP users (n = 7) and PrEP non-users (n = 6). Data were analyzed in a modified grounded theory qualitative analysis. Results The thirteen participants’ narratives contained three superordinate categories: (1) what it’s like to be someone on PrEP, (2) an environment of changing sexual norms, and (3) the continued importance of education. These categories comprised ten themes, each of which had various repeating ideas. The ten themes were the following: (1) PrEP’s social acceptability, (2) PrEP and HIV stigma, (3) PrEP and sexual relationships, (4) dissatisfaction with condoms, (5) negotiating risk, (6) peace of mind, (7) developing a relationship with PrEP, (8) putting yourself first, (9) PrEP awareness, and (10) PrEP logistics. Conclusions The gay men in our study took into consideration their social roles and relationships, their personal beliefs, and emotional histories as well as risk as prominent motivators for PrEP use. They stated that PrEP use is associated with their sense of belonging, trust, and security about their sexuality. They also identified the most relevant aspects of the medication (e.g., side effects, adherence, and awareness) to their lives.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in a Sample of Italian Men Who Have SEX with MEN (MSM)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4772
Author(s):  
Gianluca Voglino ◽  
Maria Rosaria Gualano ◽  
Stefano Rousset ◽  
Pietro Forghieri ◽  
Isabella Fraire ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Immune Deficiency Syndrome ◽  
Deficiency Syndrome ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suitable for high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection risk people, foremost among whom are males who have sex with other males (MSM). This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding PrEP in a sample of Italian MSM, in order to hypothesize strategies to implement PrEP awareness and use. No previous study has assessed this issue; Methods: An online survey was given to an opportunistic sample of Italian MSM. The questionnaire investigated sexual behaviour and habits, HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge and PrEP awareness, attitudes and practices. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify factors associated with PrEP knowledge; Results: A total of 196 MSM participated in this survey. Overall data showed that 87.2% of participants knew what PrEP is, but only 7.5% have ever used it. The main reason for not using PrEP was the cost of the therapy (26.9%). The principal source of PrEP information was the Internet (68.4%). Being regularly tested for HIV was significantly associated with PrEP knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AdjOR) = 3.16; confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–9.29); Conclusions: Knowledge regarding PrEP was well established, but PrEP use was not equally widespread. It is necessary to improve research on PrEP usage in order to PrEP access to be granted.

scholarly journals Birth Cohort Variations Across Functional Knowledge of HIV Prevention Strategies, Perceived Risk, and HIV-Associated Behaviors Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1824-1834 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshay Sharma ◽  
Erin M. Kahle ◽  
Stephen P. Sullivan ◽  
Rob Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
The United States ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
The Past ◽  
Hiv Prevention Strategies ◽  
Functional Knowledge ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the United States remain heavily impacted by HIV. The purpose of this study was to describe intergenerational differences in functional knowledge of HIV prevention strategies, perceived risk, recent condomless anal sex (CAS), and HIV testing behavior. Eight hundred sexually active GBMSM were recruited via Facebook from August to September 2015, and administered a Web-based survey which included 12 multiple-choice questions to elicit data regarding functional knowledge of different HIV prevention approaches (e.g., condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis post-exposure prophylaxis, treatment as prevention, circumcision). Cumulative logit and multivariable logistic models were formulated to examine birth cohort variations across four analytic outcomes. Younger generations were significantly more knowledgeable, as were GBMSM with higher education. Non-Hispanic non-White GBMSM and those reporting a bisexual/other sexual orientation had lower functional knowledge. Younger generations were equally concerned about contracting HIV as their older counterparts. Perceived risk was significantly higher among non-Hispanic non-White and Hispanic GBMSM, but lower among those with higher education and those in a relationship. Finally, birth cohort variations with respect to engaging in CAS with ≥2 men in the past 3 months and testing for HIV in the past year were not markedly pronounced. Younger GBMSM might be more knowledgeable about HIV prevention strategies compared to their predecessors, but are equally concerned about contracting HIV. Researchers and practitioners should consider intergenerational and other demographic differences while designing multifaceted HIV prevention programs for GBMSM.

scholarly journals Pre-exposure prophylaxis' knowledge, attitudes, practices amongst italian men who have sex with men

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Voglino ◽  
MR Gualano ◽  
S Rousset ◽  
F Bert ◽  
R Siliquini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Barriers To Access ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suitable for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)high-infection-risk people, foremost amongst males who have sex with other males (MSM). This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding PrEP in a sample of Italian MSM, in order to hypothesize strategies to implement PrEP awareness and use. Methods An online survey was given to an opportunistic sample of Italian MSM. The questionnaire investigated sexual behaviour, knowledge on HIV and PrEP awareness, attitudes and practices. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify possible associations with PrEP knowledge. Results A total of 196 MSM completed the survey. Overall data showed very good HIV and safe sexual behaviour knowledge (94.4% of correct answers). Nevertheless, our sample rarely used PrEP because of existing barriers: high therapy price (26.9%)and fear of side effects (23.8%). Only 10.3% of partecipants were informed on HIV and PReP by institutional channels, even less (7.5%) from specialized physicians and general practitioners. The most significant association with PrEP knowledge was having regular HIV-tests (adjusted odds ratio (AdjOR) = 3.16; confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-9.29); Conclusions PreP's Knowledge was well established, but PrEP use was not widespread. It is necessary to improve communication on PrEP and to lower existing barriers in order to grant access to PrEP access. Key messages Barriers to access PrEP have to be lowered. Healthcare personnel has to be involved in PrEP's benefits communication.

scholarly journals Mapping the Study Characteristics and Topics of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Research Literature: A Scoping Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 505-522
Author(s):  
Emiko Kamitani ◽  
Yuko Mizuno ◽  
Megan Wichser ◽  
Adebukola H. Adegbite ◽  
Julia B. DeLuca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Women ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Study Characteristics ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Since WHO released the first PrEP guidance in 2012, the PrEP research literature has rapidly increased, but PrEP uptake is still low. To identify research gaps, this scoping review describes study characteristics, identifies populations, and maps study topics in PrEP publications. We identified 561 PrEP primary studies published in English between 2006 and 2018. The most commonly used study design was cross-sectional. Almost half of studies were conducted in non-U.S. countries and focused on men who have sex with men. We mapped study topics using five categories. The most studied category was Potential PrEP user/prescriber (41.3%) followed by Considerations while on PrEP (28.2%), PrEP efficacy and safety (20.9%), Cost-effectiveness or economic evaluation (5.2%), and Methods of and experiences with PrEP clinical trials (4.2%). Although the PrEP literature has dramatically increased, some research areas (e.g., PrEP awareness in non-U.S. countries, intervention studies to promote PrEP use) and populations (e.g., Black women) are still understudied.

scholarly journals Characterizing Awareness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in Manila and Cebu, Philippines: Web-Based Survey of Filipino Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjee Restar ◽  
Anthony Surace ◽  
Alexander Adia ◽  
William Goedel ◽  
Adedotun Ogunbajo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
College Education ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

BACKGROUND The Philippines is experiencing an HIV crisis and is considering implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a national public health strategy for HIV prevention for cisgender men who have sex with men (cis-MSM). However, critical information on the awareness of PrEP among cis-MSM is needed to roll out this public health initiative. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess PrEP awareness and related correlates (ie, sociodemographic variables, social factors, and health care access and use) among Filipino cis-MSM. METHODS We conducted a web-based survey with Filipino cis-MSM (n=179) residing in the cities of Manila and Cebu, Philippines. Multivariable analysis procedures were performed to examine the factors associated with PrEP awareness. RESULTS Our sample demonstrated high awareness (134/179, 74.9%) and interest (159/179, 88.8%) in taking PrEP. The adjusted model showed that greater odds of PrEP awareness were associated with having a college education or higher versus a high school education or lower (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.30, 95% CI 1.01-52.47), earning between PHP 10,000 (US $198.6) and PHP 20,000 (US $397.2) versus <PHP 10,000 (US $198.60; aOR 9.32, 95% CI 1.41-6.22), having had a prior HIV test (aOR 6.06, 95% CI 1.20-13.55), having high HIV knowledge (aOR 3.50, 95% CI 1.11-10.98), and having friends who discussed PrEP (aOR 11.17, 95% CI 2.73-14.5). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that Filipino cis-MSM are aware of and interested in taking PrEP, but there is currently an unmet need for such biomedical HIV prevention technologies among this population. Incorporating PrEP education into routine HIV screening and leveraging cis-MSM social networks may be useful in optimizing potential PrEP implementation in the Philippines.

scholarly journals Social network intervention to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness, interest, and use among African American men who have sex with men

AIDS Care ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (sup2) ◽  
pp. 40-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey A. Kelly ◽  
Yuri A. Amirkhanian ◽  
Jennifer L. Walsh ◽  
Kevin D. Brown ◽  
Katherine G. Quinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Social Network ◽  
African American Men ◽  
Social Network Intervention ◽  
Network Intervention ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Audit of patient retention in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services in an integrated sexual reproductive health service setting

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (14) ◽  
pp. 1432-1435
Author(s):  
Eleanor Cochrane ◽  
Carys Knapper
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Reproductive Health Service ◽  
Health Board ◽  
Sexual Reproductive Health ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV in Wales was launched in July 2017. We set up a PrEP service delivered via our integrated sexual reproductive health service in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB), south east Wales. Public Health Wales (PHW) data show a 22% ‘lost to follow-up’ rate amongst Welsh PrEP patients. Over 18 months, 278 patients booked into ABUHB PrEP clinics. Of these, 275 were men who have sex with men (MSM). One hundred and ninety-three patients commenced PrEP, 5 were diagnosed with HIV at baseline, 42 did not attend their first appointment. The remainder declined PrEP. Of those commenced on PrEP, 51.7% had reduced clinic attendances; all were MSM. Patients with reduced attendances were more likely to be younger (mean age 33 vs. 37 years), reside outside ABUHB catchment area (56.4% vs. 49.6%) and have mental health issues (28.6% vs. 18.8%), but were less likely to disclose substance misuse (24.2% vs. 27.1%) than those attending in line with operational guidance. Of the 63 patients who stopped attending the PrEP clinic, 32.3% (21) had documented reasons, the most common being reduced self-perceived risk. This is the first evaluation of reasons why patients stop attending as well as risk factors associated with those lost to follow-up in PrEP services in Wales.

scholarly journals Pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake for HIV infection prevention among young men who have sex with men and transgender women in Bangkok, Thailand

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naruemon Auemaneekul ◽  
Sirirat Lertpruek ◽  
Pratana Satitvipawee ◽  
Nik AA Tuah
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Young Men ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Voluntary Counseling And Testing ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

PurposeThe purpose of this study aimed to assess factors associated with the intention to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Thai young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Bangkok.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveyed 350 sexually active Thai YMSM and TGW aged between 18 and 24 years registered with a nongovernmental organization (NGO) working with the MSM community. Data were collected using snowball sampling from four venues. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with the intention to take PrEP daily.FindingsThe results showed that of all those surveyed, n = 310 (88%) participated. The median age was 21 years. In all, 18% of participants had heard about PrEP, and 36% correctly identified that PrEP is used for prevention. After receiving information, 31% intended to take daily PrEP and the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) rate was 35.5%. Factors significantly associated with intention to take daily PrEP were history of HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.3, 95% CI, 1.3–4.1), and high perceived behavioral control of PrEP adherence scores (AOR 3.0, 95% CI, 1.8–5.2).Originality/valueThis study showed that intention to take and knowledge of daily PrEP among YMSM and TGW was low. Promoting health education to YMSM and TGW about PrEP and MSM-friendly VCT services are needed to effectively implement PrEP in HIV prevention programs.

Reporting pre-exposure prophylaxis use in Craigslist personal advertisements among men seeking sex with men in the United States

Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon J. Hill ◽  
Trevor Bak ◽  
Alicia VandeVusse ◽  
Kris Rosentel
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Personal Ads ◽  
Personal Advertisements ◽  
Bareback Sex ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviours

This study describes the self-reported use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the personal advertisements of men seeking sex with men in the United States on the online classified advertisement site, Craigslist. Overall self-reported PrEP use was low (0.20%; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.18–0.22). However, PrEP use in personal ads was described in conjunction with seeking sexual risk behaviours including ‘bareback’ sex (22.7%; 95% CI = 17.7–27.7%) and sex with substance use (26.8%; 95% CI = 21.5–32.1%). Only 4.0% of personal ads sought safe sex (3.3%; 95% CI = 1.2–5.4%) or required condoms (0.7%; 95% CI = –0.3–1.7%). Our findings underscore the need for increased public PrEP awareness, particularly among men seeking sex with men, as well as the importance of healthcare providers emphasising sexually transmissible infection prevention behaviours (i.e. condom use) used in conjunction with PrEP.

scholarly journals Factors associated with willingness to use Pre-exposure prophylaxis in Brazil, Mexico and Peru: an online survey among men who have sex with men (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago Silva Torres ◽  
Kelika Konda ◽  
E. Hamid Vega-Ramirez ◽  
Oliver Antonio Elorreaga Reyes ◽  
Dulce Diaz-Sosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness ◽  
Willingness To Use ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Oral Prep

BACKGROUND HIV epidemics disproportionally affect key populations including men who have sex with men (MSM). HIV prevalence among MSM varies from 17% in Brazil and Mexico to 13% in Peru, while it is below 0.5% for the general population. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir is being implemented in the context of combination HIV prevention. Reports on PrEP awareness, willingness to use, and acceptability among MSM have started to emerge over the last few years. Previously reported factors associated with willingness to use PrEP include: awareness, low cost, higher sexual risk behavior, prior sexually transmitted infection, and unwillingness to use condoms. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with willingness to use daily oral PrEP among MSM in three Latin American, middle-income countries (Brazil, Mexico and Peru). METHODS This online cross-sectional survey was advertised in two gay social network apps (Grindr and Hornet) used by MSM to find sex partners and on Facebook during two months in 2018. Inclusion criteria were ≥18 years of age, cisgender men, and HIV-negative by self-report. Eligible individuals answered questions on: demographics, behavior, and PrEP (awareness, willingness to use, barriers and facilitators). Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to assess the factors associated with willingness to use daily oral PrEP in each country. RESULTS From a total sample of 43,687 individuals, 19,457 (45%) MSM were eligible and completed the online survey (Brazil: 58%, Mexico: 31%, Peru: 11%); median age was 28 years (IQR: 24-34), almost half lived in large urban cities and 89% self-defined as homosexual. Most of the participants were recruited on Grindr (69%). Almost 20% had never tested for HIV and condomless receptive anal sex was reported by 46% in the previous 6 months. A total of 13,110 (67%) would be eligible for PrEP (adapted from WHO risk criteria), but only 10% of participants had high HIV risk perception. PrEP awareness was reported by 65%, this was lower in Peru (46%). Overall, willingness to use PrEP was reported by 64%, highest in Mexico (70%) and lowest in Peru (58%). In multivariate regression models adjusted for age, schooling, and income: in each country willingness to use PrEP was positively associated with PrEP awareness and PrEP facilitators (e.g. free PrEP and HIV testing), and negatively associated with behavioral (e.g., concerned by daily pill regimen) and belief barriers (e.g., sex partners may expect condomless anal sex). CONCLUSIONS In this first cross-country online survey in Latin America, willingness to use PrEP was found to be high and directly related to PrEP awareness. Interventions to increase awareness and PrEP knowledge about safety and efficacy are crucial to increase PrEP demand. This study provides important information to support the implementation of PrEP in Brazil, Mexico and Peru.

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