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Fang Q, Tang G, Wang Z, Guo Q, Guo Q, Fan Y, Qin Q. Awareness and willingness to utilize HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and associated factors among men who have sex with men in Maanshan, China. PLoS One 2025; 20:e0324259. [PMID: 40402991 PMCID: PMC12097599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2025] [Indexed: 05/24/2025] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV and represent the primary target population for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. However, PrEP adoption in China remains limited, partly due to its late regulatory approval. This study aims to investigate the awareness and willingness of PrEP use and associated factors among MSM in Maanshan city, so as to promote the popularization of PrEP. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in Maanshan City, China, between June 2016 and December 2019. Participants completed the questionnaire through respondent-driven sampling (RDS). The questionnaire information was organized and analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to investigate the determinants of PrEP willingness and awareness among HIV-negative MSM. RESULTS A total of 879 participants were enrolled, with 837 providing analyzable data. The majority (62.25%) were aged <30 years old, with 97.49% self-identified as homosexual. Among participants, 50.18% reported regular male sexual partners. Regarding sexual behaviors, 71.80% of MSM engaged in casual sex and 36.56% unprotected anal sex (UAI) within the last six months. HIV awareness was reported by 92.83% of respondents, while PrEP awareness was substantially lower (22.70%). Willingness to use PrEP was high (89.49%), with 16.49% preferring to take PrEP daily and 84.59% preferring to take PrEP on demand. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that vocational school (vs. high school or below), recent casual sex engagement, PrEP awareness, and recent UAI history were significant predictors of PrEP willingness. Higher education (university or above vs. high school or below), versatile sexual role (vs. op/insertive ones), recent casual sex and prior HIV testing were positively associated with PrEP awareness. CONCLUSIONS Maanshan's MSM population demonstrated high PrEP acceptance but limited awareness. The findings suggest that expanding access to HIV testing could enhance PrEP awareness. Simultaneously, PrEP dissemination combined with targeted HIV prevention may effectively reduce HIV transmission in the MSM population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Fang
- Lishui Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lishui, Zhejiang Province, PR China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Gan Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qian Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qisheng Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yinguang Fan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qirong Qin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Ma’anshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Ma’anshan, Anhui Province, PR China
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King H, Thornton N, Evans KN, Tadfor Y, German D, Flynn C, Jennings J, Fields EL. Factors Associated with the Awareness of and Willingness to Use HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men, Baltimore, MD, 2017-2019. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2025; 12:1202-1215. [PMID: 38436888 PMCID: PMC11371943 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-01954-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective tool in protecting persons from acquiring HIV infection through sex or injection drug use. However, awareness and willingness to use PrEP among Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (BMSM) remain suboptimal compared to White MSM (WMSM) in the United States. Our aims were to (1) assess the factors associated with PrEP awareness and willingness to use PrEP among MSM and (2) compare the PrEP perceptions among BMSM versus non-Black MSM. Data were drawn from two cross-sectional behavioral surveys in Baltimore, MD: Behavioral Surveillance Research (BESURE) conducted in 2017, and Safe Spaces 4 Sexual Health (SS4SH), conducted in 2018 and 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the study population. We used Poisson regression models to identify variables associated with awareness of PrEP and willingness to use PrEP. PrEP perceptions were assessed via 13 items scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Finally, we conducted a post-hoc exploratory bivariate analysis of the relationship between PrEP perception and willingness to use PrEP, stratified by race/ethnicity. A total of 261 MSM participated in this study. Many of the participants were aware of PrEP (75.1%). Factors associated with greater PrEP awareness included having greater than a high school education (aRR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04, 1.43); and earning more than $25,000 annually (aRR 1.24, 95% CI 1.08, 1.42). Participants who had received money in exchange for sex one or more times were less likely to be aware of PrEP (aRR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36, 0.95). More than half of the participants were willing to use PrEP (55.3%). In bivariate and multivariable analyses, demographic or behavioral characteristics were not significantly associated with willingness to use PrEP. Higher agreement with the following statements was associated with lower willingness to use PrEP: "Having to take a pill every day is difficult" (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.97) and, "I am concerned about the side effects of PrEP" (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82-0.96), and "PrEP is for people who have riskier sex lives than I do" (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.95). Conversely, higher willingness to use PrEP was associated with comfortable having sex without a condom (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21), less anxious about sex (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.24), and my friends think that I should take PrEP (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07-1.32). We found BMSM compared to non-Black MSM had higher mean scores related to taking a daily pill (p = 0.041), concerns about side effects (p = 0.012), concerns about people thinking they had HIV (p = 0.001), concerns about the financial costs of PrEP (p = 0.038) and caution when dealing with healthcare organizations/medical mistrust (p = 0.019). Perceptions with a statistically significant lower score among BMSM versus non-Black MSM included statements such as, comfortable having sex without a condom (p = 0.003) and less anxious about sex (p < 0.001). We conclude HIV prevention strategies, programs, and interventions should be cognizant of PrEP perceptions that facilitate or hinder PrEP uptake in Baltimore City, MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope King
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA.
| | | | - Kimberly N Evans
- Division of HIV Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Yomi Tadfor
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Danielle German
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Colin Flynn
- Maryland Department of Health, Baltimore, USA
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Paschen-Wolff MM, Tross S, Mindy Nelson C, Hatch MA, Meche D, Ertl MM, Wright L, Laschober TC. Factors associated with PrEP awareness and use among men who have sex with men who use drugs in the Southern United States. AIDS Care 2025; 37:21-32. [PMID: 39651544 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2438923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 12/11/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACTPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) dramatically reduces HIV transmission risk. PrEP is underutilized among men who have sex with men who use substances (SU-MSM) in the Southern U.S., for whom there is limited research and high PrEP need. Using cross-sectional data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network (CTN) 0082 study, we explored factors associated with PrEP awareness and use among 225 SU-MSM in the Southern U.S. Participants were recruited from community-based sexually transmitted infection clinics, syringe services programs and outpatient substance use treatment programs in eight cities across five Southern states with high HIV incidence. Multinomial logistic regressions examined PrEP awareness and use relative to sociodemographic factors, sexual behaviors and substance use. Results demonstrated overall high awareness, yet limited uptake of PrEP. Younger age, higher education, condomless anal sex and more frequent popper use were associated with greater odds of PrEP awareness. Higher education, condomless anal sex and more frequent popper use were associated with greater odds of PrEP use. Results highlight the need for innovative PrEP outreach to Southern SU-MSM that accounts for age, education and substances used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M Paschen-Wolff
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan Tross
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Mindy Nelson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Mary A Hatch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David Meche
- School of Social Work, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Melissa M Ertl
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lynette Wright
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tanja C Laschober
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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Yigit I, Budhwani H, Rainer CB, Claude K, Muessig KE, Hightow-Weidman LB. Associations Between PrEP Stigma, PrEP Confidence, and PrEP Adherence: Conditional Indirect Effects of Anticipated HIV Stigma. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 97:99-106. [PMID: 39250643 PMCID: PMC11573708 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has linked stigma surrounding preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to poor HIV prevention outcomes, including PrEP adherence. However, there remains a limited understanding of the mechanisms through which PrEP stigma affects PrEP adherence, specifically among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth. In this study, we aimed to investigate the indirect effect of PrEP stigma on PrEP adherence through PrEP confidence and the moderating role of anticipated HIV stigma. METHODS Participants included 235 SGM youth, assigned male sex at birth, aged 16-24, and self-reported HIV-negative, with an active PrEP prescription from the Prepared, Protected, emPowered randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from 9 clinics in the United States between 2019 and 2021. Using baseline data, we tested cross-sectional indirect and conditional indirect effects using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Process with confidence intervals and 2000 resamples. RESULTS We found significant indirect effects, suggesting that PrEP stigma was negatively associated with PrEP confidence, which in turn resulted in both monthly and weekly optimal PrEP adherence (Indirect effects: B = -0.11, Standard Error [SE] = 0.05, CI: [-0.244 to -0.032]; B = -0.09, SE = 0.04, CI: [-0.191 to -0.014], respectively). Anticipated HIV stigma moderated these indirect effects (B = -0.11, SE = 0.08, CI: [-0.315 to -0.001]; B = -0.09, SE = 0.06, CI: [-0.245 to -0.001], respectively), suggesting that the conditional indirect effects were significant at high but not low levels of anticipated HIV stigma. CONCLUSION Results suggest that SGM youth who are on PrEP anticipating HIV stigma experience a compounding effect of PrEP stigma on PrEP confidence, consequently leading to suboptimal adherence. Interventions addressing the intersectionality of PrEP and HIV stigmas and enhancing confidence could improve PrEP adherence, particularly among SGM youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Yigit
- College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
| | - Henna Budhwani
- College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee, FL
| | - Crissi B. Rainer
- College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee, FL
| | - Kristina Claude
- College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee, FL
| | - Kathryn E. Muessig
- College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee, FL
| | - Lisa B. Hightow-Weidman
- College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee, FL
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Goswami S, Gannon T, Nasruddin S, Mancuso B, Kang M, Bentley JP, Bhattacharya K, Barnard M. Willingness to use PrEP among PrEP naïve men who have sex with men: a meta-analysis. AIDS Care 2024; 36:1148-1161. [PMID: 38771970 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2354207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to measure the pooled estimate of willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (WTUP) among PrEP-naïve United States (U.S.)-based men who have sex with men (MSM). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched. The search strategy contained the keyword willingness and interest and the MeSH terms for HIV and PrEP. Articles were included if they were published between January 2005 and May 2022, reported quantitative data on WTUP among PrEP-naïve US-based MSM, and were available as full text in English. Meta-analysis was conducted to assess the pooled effect size of WTUP prevalence using a random-effects model, heterogeneity in the pooled estimate was assessed, and subgroup analyzes were conducted. Fifteen studies were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed a pooled prevalence proportion for WTUP of 0.58 (95% CI 0.54-0.61) (or 58 out of 100) among PrEP-naïve MSM. High inter-study heterogeneity (Q = 548.10, df = 19, p < 0.01, I2 = 96.53, τ2 = 0.09) was observed. Age of the study sample and region where the data were collected significantly moderated the pooled WTUP estimate. Age-appropriate PrEP related messaging and a focus on HIV priority areas of the U.S. would be important strategies to improve WTUP among MSM in the U.S. moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarnali Goswami
- Complete HEOR Solutions (CHEORS), Chalfont, PA, USA (At the time this study was conducted, Dr. Goswami was a graduate student in the Department of Pharmacy Administration, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, University, MS, USA)
| | - Taylor Gannon
- School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Saara Nasruddin
- Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Blake Mancuso
- School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Minsoo Kang
- Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, School of Applied Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - John P Bentley
- Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
- Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Kaustuv Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
- Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Marie Barnard
- Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
- Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
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Agarwal H, Erwin M, Lyles S, Esposito M, Ahsan Z. Lower PrEP Retention among Young and Black Clients Accessing PrEP at a Cluster of Safety Net Clinics for Gay and Bisexual Men. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2024; 23:23259582241275857. [PMID: 39219500 PMCID: PMC11375660 DOI: 10.1177/23259582241275857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Young men of color who have sex with men are vulnerable to HIV and experience poor PrEP uptake and retention. We conducted a secondary data analysis and calculated adjusted Prevalence Odds Ratios (aPORs) for PrEP retention along with 95% CIs at 90, 180, and 360 days at an organization running safety net clinics in Texas for gay and bisexual men. We found statistically significant association with age, race, in-clinic versus telehealth appointments, and having healthcare insurance. White clients had an aPOR of 1.29 [1.00, 1.67] as compared to Black clients at 90 days. Age group of 18-24 had a lower aPOR than all other age groups except 55 or older at all three time periods. Clients who met providers in person had an aPOR of 2.6 [2.14, 3.19] at 90, 2.6 [2.2, 3.30] at 180 days and 2.84 [2.27, 3.54] at 360 days. Our findings highlight the need for population-specific targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Agarwal
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mark Erwin
- Center for Health Empowerment, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Scott Lyles
- Center for Health Empowerment, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Maria Esposito
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zunaid Ahsan
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Mansergh G, Sullivan PS, Kota KK, Daskalakis D. Pre-exposure prophylaxis in the era of emerging methods for men who have sex with men in the USA: the HIV Prevention Cycle of Care model. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e134-e142. [PMID: 36525980 PMCID: PMC11283766 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00309-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Expanding on previous work, we present an HIV Prevention Cycle of Care model to facilitate understanding of the complexity of issues involved in pre-exposure prophylaxis implementation for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA, including individual, client-provider, and overarching issues such as health equity, stigma, and prevention nomenclature. The HIV prevention cycle of care applies to MSM who test negative for HIV. The Prevention Cycle of Care model includes seven steps: prevention knowledge, prevention self-awareness and preferences, prevention motivation, health-care access and cost, provider issues, adherence and persistence, and periodic reassessment and adjustment. HIV prevention is complex in an era of emerging multiple modalities, and more research is needed to successfully implement pre-exposure prophylaxis options over time and across diverse communities of MSM who are sexually active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Mansergh
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Krishna Kiran Kota
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Demetre Daskalakis
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Qasmieh S, Nash D, Gandhi M, Rozen E, Okochi H, Goldstein H, Herold BC, Jamison K, Pathela P. Self-Reported Use of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Is Highly Accurate Among Sexual Health Clinic Patients in New York City. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:790-793. [PMID: 35312670 PMCID: PMC9463403 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In New York City, 91% of sexually transmitted infection clinic patients reported preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use that matched the detection of PrEP in their serum. Self-report had 80% sensitivity and 96% specificity ( κ = 0.79) compared with measured PrEP. Our findings suggest that self-report may be a valid indicator of PrEP uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Qasmieh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY
| | - Denis Nash
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, City University of New York, New York, NY
| | - Monica Gandhi
- University of California San Francisco Center for AIDS Research, San Francisco, CA
| | - Elliot Rozen
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, NY
| | - Hideaki Okochi
- University of California San Francisco Center for AIDS Research, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | | - Kelly Jamison
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, NY
| | - Preeti Pathela
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Queens, NY
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Hill MJ, Heads AM, Green C, Suchting R, Stotts AL. Pilot testing the effectiveness of whether a survey-driven tablet-based intervention increased willingness of Black women to attend to an initial PrEP clinic visit: The protocol for the pilot randomized controlled trial design and methods. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 29:100985. [PMID: 36092974 PMCID: PMC9450123 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.100985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mandy J Hill
- Director of Population Health in Emergency Medicine University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), McGovern Medical School, Texas Emergency Medicine Research Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, 6431 Fannin, JJL 475G, Houston, United States
| | - Angela M Heads
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), McGovern Medical School, United States
| | - Charles Green
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), McGovern Medical School, United States
| | - Robert Suchting
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), McGovern Medical School, United States
| | - Angela L Stotts
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), McGovern Medical School, United States
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10
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Schwartz J, Grimm J, Zimmerman R, Clement M. Information Seeking and MSM's Beliefs about PrEP and Condoms. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:889-896. [PMID: 33494635 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1876323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study examined how frequently men who have sex with men (MSM) used a selection of sources, including news media, social media, health organizations, and dating/hookup apps, for HIV information. Additionally, the study explored the extent to which MSM's efficacy beliefs about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and perceptions of condom importance could be predicted by the sources they used. A sample of MSM (N= 969) were surveyed online. Results showed that respondents obtained information about HIV most often from HIV organizations, LGBT organizations, and dating/hookup apps, particularly the apps Growlr, Scruff, and Grindr. Use of the app Scruff was the strongest source-based predictor of beliefs about both PrEP and condoms. Implications for health promotion are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Schwartz
- Department of Communication Studies, Northeastern University
| | - Josh Grimm
- Manship School of Mass Communication, Louisiana State University
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Understanding the Association between PrEP Stigma and PrEP Cascade Moderated by the Intensity of HIV Testing. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7050074. [PMID: 35622701 PMCID: PMC9147022 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7050074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: In the U.S., men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the majority of new HIV infections. On the other hand, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective strategy to curb HIV transmission, but it is widely underutilized. It is unknown how stigma affects PrEP care in the context of other HIV prevention strategies. (2) Methods: We included a total of 318 MSM in the current analysis. We employed bivariate and multivariable analyses to assess the association between PrEP stigma and PrEP cascade while controlling for potential confounders on each specific pathway. We further used a series of moderation analyses based upon the intensity of HIV testing within different timeframes to assess the association between PrEP stigma and PrEP cascade. (3) Results: Compared with MSM who used PrEP, those who never used PrEP reported higher internalized and vicarious PrEP stigma. Internalized PrEP stigma has significantly reduced the likelihood of PrEP willingness and PrEP uptake among this group. The trend analysis showed significant trend patterns across different frequencies of HIV testing. (4) Conclusions: A structural-level reform is urgently needed to turn the HIV service encounters into opportunities to facilitate and optimize the PrEP cascade among this group who may benefit from PrEP use.
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12
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Martel-Laferrière V, Feaster DJ, Metsch LR, Shackman BR, Loignon C, Nosyk B, Tookes H, Behrends CN, Arruda N, Adigun O, Goyer ME, Kolber MA, Mary JF, Rodriguez AE, Yanez IG, Pan Y, Khemiri R, Gooden L, Sako A, Bruneau J. M 2HepPrEP: study protocol for a multi-site multi-setting randomized controlled trial of integrated HIV prevention and HCV care for PWID. Trials 2022; 23:341. [PMID: 35461260 PMCID: PMC9034074 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Opioid use is escalating in North America and comes with a multitude of health consequences, including HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) outbreaks among persons who inject drugs (PWID). HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HCV treatment regimens have transformative potential to address these co-occurring epidemics. Evaluation of innovative multi-modal approaches, integrating harm reduction, opioid agonist therapy (OAT), PrEP, and HCV treatment is required. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an on-site integrated care model where delivery of PrEP and HCV treatment for PWID takes places at syringe service programs (SSP) and OAT programs compared with referring PWID to clinical services in the community through a patient navigation model and to examine how structural factors interact with HIV prevention adherence and HCV treatment outcomes. Methods The Miami-Montreal Hepatitis C and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis trial (M2HepPrEP) is an open-label, multi-site, multi-center, randomized, controlled, superiority trial with two parallel treatment arms. A total of 500 persons who injected drugs in the prior 6 months and are eligible for PrEP will be recruited in OAT clinics and SSP in Miami, FL, and Montréal, Québec. Participants will be randomized to either on-site care, with adherence counseling, or referral to off-site clinics assisted by a patient navigator. PrEP will be offered to all participants and HCV treatment to those HCV-infected. Co-primary endpoints will be (1) adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis medication at 6 months post-randomization and (2) HCV sustained virological response (SVR) 12 weeks post-treatment completion among participants who were randomized within the HCV stratum. Up to 100 participants will be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview regarding perceptions of adherence barriers and facilitators, after their 6-month assessment. A simulation model-based cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed to determine the comparative value of the strategies being evaluated. Discussion The results of this study have the potential to demonstrate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of offering PrEP and HCV treatment in healthcare venues frequently attended by PWID. Testing the intervention in two urban centers with high disease burden among PWID, but with different healthcare system dynamics, will increase generalizability of findings. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03981445. Trial registry name: Integrated HIV Prevention and HCV Care for PWID (M2HepPrEP). Registration date: June 10, 201. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06085-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada.
| | | | - Lisa R Metsch
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Bruce R Shackman
- Weill Cornell Medical College: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, USA
| | | | | | - Hansel Tookes
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Weill Cornell Medical College: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, USA
| | - Nelson Arruda
- Direction régionale de la santé publique de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Eve Goyer
- Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Iveth G Yanez
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Yue Pan
- University of Miami Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, USA
| | - Rania Khemiri
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lauren Gooden
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Aïssata Sako
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
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13
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Gebru NM, Benvenuti MC, Rowland BHP, Kalkat M, Chauca PG, Leeman RF. Relationships among Substance Use, Sociodemographics, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Related Attitudes among Young Adult Men Who Have Sex with Men. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:786-798. [PMID: 35188880 PMCID: PMC9082761 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2040030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for two-thirds of new HIV diagnoses. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly efficacious HIV preventive medication, is underutilized. Identifying correlates of PrEP awareness and attitudes may help increase PrEP use. Thus, we evaluated (1) PrEP awareness; (2) differences in awareness related to substance use and sociodemographics; (3) initial PrEP information sources; and (4) possible associations between information sources and PrEP-related attitudes. Young adult (ages 18-30) HIV-negative MSM from Southern U.S. undertook a web survey including questions about substance use, sexual behaviors, perceived HIV risk, and PrEP. Participants were recruited using in-person and online approaches between January 2018-January 2020. Of 506 participants, 89% were aware of PrEP. Participants with high alcohol consumption and greater perceived HIV risk had higher odds of PrEP unawareness with a trend for minority race/ethnicity. PrEP-aware participants reported high overall perceived safety, confidence in PrEP's efficacy, and low perceived difficulties with adherence though those with higher perceived HIV risk and individuals who used tobacco had less favorable attitudes. Most participants first heard about PrEP from the internet. There were no statistically significant differences in PrEP-related attitudes across initial information sources. Associations between substance use and racial/ethnic minority status and lack of PrEP awareness suggest priority subgroups for educational campaigns. Future campaigns may tailor outreach materials to the respective audience (e.g., Spanish materials for Hispanic people) and disseminate where individuals who use substances may be more likely to see them (e.g., liquor and convenience stores). Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2022.2040030 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Nioud Mulugeta Gebru
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Maria Costanza Benvenuti
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bonnie H. P. Rowland
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Meher Kalkat
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Patricia G. Chauca
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Robert F. Leeman
- Department of Health Education & Behavior, College of Health & Human Performance; Center for Addiction Research and Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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14
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Derrick T, Harrington KRV, Alohan DI, Sullivan PS, Holland DP, Klepser DG, Quamina A, Siegler AJ, Young HN. Integrating and Disseminating Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Screening and Dispensing for Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in Atlanta, Georgia: Protocol for Community Pharmacies. JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e35590. [PMID: 35138252 PMCID: PMC8867290 DOI: 10.2196/35590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) suffer from alarmingly high rates of HIV in the United States. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce the risk of HIV infection by 99% among men who have sex with men, yet profound racial disparities in the uptake of PrEP persist. Low PrEP uptake in BMSM is driven by poor access to PrEP, including inconvenient locations of PrEP-prescribing physicians, distrust of physicians, and stigma, which limit communication about PrEP and its side effects. Previous work indicates that offering HIV prevention services in pharmacies located in low-income, underserved neighborhoods is feasible and can reduce stigma because pharmacies offer a host of less stigmatized health services (eg, vaccinations). We present a protocol for a pharmacy PrEP model that seeks to address challenges and barriers to pharmacy-based PrEP specifically for BMSM. OBJECTIVE We aim to develop a sustainable pharmacy PrEP delivery model for BMSM that can be implemented to increase PrEP access in low-income, underserved neighborhoods. METHODS This study design is a pilot intervention to test a pharmacy PrEP delivery model among pharmacy staff and BMSM. We will examine the PrEP delivery model's feasibility, acceptability, and safety and gather early evidence of its impact and cost with respect to PrEP uptake. A mixed-methods approach will be performed, including three study phases: (1) a completed formative phase with qualitative interviews from key stakeholders; (2) a completed transitional pilot phase to assess customer eligibility and willingness to receive PrEP in pharmacies during COVID-19; and (3) a planned pilot intervention phase which will test the delivery model in 2 Atlanta pharmacies in low-income, underserved neighborhoods. RESULTS Data from the formative phase showed strong support of pharmacy-based PrEP delivery among BMSM, pharmacists, and pharmacy staff. Important factors were identified to facilitate the implementation of PrEP screening and dissemination in pharmacies. During the transitional pilot phase, we identified 81 individuals who would have been eligible for the pilot phase. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacies have proven to be a feasible source for offering PrEP for White men who have sex with men but have failed to reach the most at-risk, vulnerable population (ie, BMSM). Increasing PrEP access and uptake will reduce HIV incidence and racial inequities in HIV. Translational studies are required to build further evidence and scale pharmacy-based PrEP services specifically for populations that are disconnected from HIV prevention resources. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/35590.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristin R V Harrington
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Daniel I Alohan
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - David P Holland
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Division of Medical and Preventative Services, Fulton County Board of Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Donald G Klepser
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Alvan Quamina
- National AIDS Education and Services for Minorities Inc, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Henry N Young
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, United States
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15
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Algarin AB, Ibañez GE, Forrest DW, Faraldo M, Spencer EC, Maddox L. Examining the Psychometrics of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Measure for Community HIV-Related Stigma. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:252-260. [PMID: 34283342 PMCID: PMC8770722 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03378-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The research tested the psychometrics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) community HIV-related stigma scale. Data was from men who have sex with men (MSM) NHBS cycles conducted 2011-2017 in Miami-Dade, Florida among n = 1455 participants. MSM were cis-gender male, 18+ years old, reported lifetime oral/anal sex with a male, and lived in Miami-Dade County. We assessed reliability using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, determined factors using principal factor analysis, and assessed construct validity using five a priori hypotheses. The scale was unidimensional, had questionable internal reliability (α = 0.68, ω = 0.69), and met four of five a priori hypotheses in the expected direction. Correlations were medium-weak in strength and only one was consistently met. Future iterations of the NHBS survey should consider replacing the 4-item community HIV-related stigma scale with an instrument that has superior internal reliability, measures multiple HIV-related stigma dimensions, and demonstrates stronger evidence of validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel B Algarin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gillman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Gladys E Ibañez
- Department of Epidemiology, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St. AHC5-478, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - David W Forrest
- Department of Anthropology, University of Miami, PO Box: 248106, Coral Gables, FL, 33124, USA
| | - Monica Faraldo
- Department of Anthropology, University of Miami, PO Box: 248106, Coral Gables, FL, 33124, USA
| | - Emma C Spencer
- Florida Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL, 32399, USA
| | - Lorene Maddox
- Florida Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL, 32399, USA
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16
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Babel RA, Wang P, Alessi EJ, Raymond HF, Wei C. Stigma, HIV Risk, and Access to HIV Prevention and Treatment Services Among Men Who have Sex with Men (MSM) in the United States: A Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3574-3604. [PMID: 33866444 PMCID: PMC8053369 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03262-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In light of recent advances in HIV prevention and treatment, we reviewed the literature to understand how different types of stigma impact HIV risk; access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services; and related health outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the US. We conducted a scoping literature review of observational and qualitative studies that examined stigma and HIV-related outcomes among MSM. Our search identified 5794 studies, of which 47 met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis. The review suggests that stigma remains a formidable barrier to engaging in HIV prevention and treatment among both HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM. Among the studies of HIV-positive MSM, internalized stigma was related to lower levels of treatment engagement. HIV-positive MSM in the Southern part of the US were also more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior. Perceived health care discrimination was negatively associated with PrEP awareness, particularly among HIV-negative Black MSM. Among young MSM of color, intersectional stigma compounded the social structural barriers to PrEP adherence. Findings indicate that stigma reduction interventions should be implemented in diverse MSM communities to address the disproportionate burden of HIV along with critical gap in the care continuum. Further research should examine how individual types of stigma, including intersectional stigma, affect viral suppression and PrEP uptake and adherence, especially among MSM of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riddhi A Babel
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Ln W, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Ln W, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | | | - Henry F Raymond
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, 683 Hoes Ln W, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Chongyi Wei
- Department of Health Behavior, Society, and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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17
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McMahan VM, Violette LR, Andrasik MP, Martin A, Garske L, Stekler JD. 'I make sure my doctor doesn't know that I use meth': perceived barriers to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among community peer educators in Seattle (WA, USA). Sex Health 2021; 17:29-37. [PMID: 31954432 DOI: 10.1071/sh19083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background HIV disproportionately affects cisgender men and transgender people who have sex with men (MSM/TG) and use methamphetamine. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake has been slow in this group. It is important to understand perceptions about PrEP and barriers to its use among MSM/TG who use methamphetamine to reduce new HIV infections. METHODS We conducted four focus groups with peer educators of a harm reduction program. We assessed their perspectives of PrEP and barriers across the PrEP continuum among MSM/TG who use methamphetamine. RESULTS Notably, stigma related to the multiple marginalised identities of MSM/TG who use methamphetamine (e.g. MSM/TG-related stigma, methamphetamine-related stigma) was a barrier at each step. We developed a framework that combined the PrEP continuum and a stigma-based treatment cascade to explore these themes and describe the effects of stigma on PrEP engagement. Methamphetamine-related barriers were also identified. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study emphasise the importance of incorporating stigma reduction into PrEP delivery for MSM/TG who use methamphetamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M McMahan
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA; and Corresponding author.
| | - Lauren R Violette
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Michele P Andrasik
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 1510 San Juan Road, Seattle, WA, 98195 USA; and Fred Hutch, HIV Vaccine Trials Network, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Aleks Martin
- Project NEON, Seattle Counseling Service, 1216 Pine Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Lindsay Garske
- Project NEON, Seattle Counseling Service, 1216 Pine Street, Suite 300, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Joanne D Stekler
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA; and Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 1510 San Juan Road, Seattle, WA, 98195 USA; and Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street Seattle, WA, 98195 USA
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18
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Jaiswal J, LoSchiavo C, Meanley S, Hascher K, Cox AB, Dunlap KB, Singer SN, Halkitis PN. Correlates of PrEP Uptake Among Young Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women in New York City: The Need to Reframe "Risk" Messaging and Normalize Preventative Health. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3057-3073. [PMID: 33830327 PMCID: PMC8419019 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03254-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective form of HIV prevention, but young sexual minority men face myriad barriers to PrEP uptake. Participants (n = 202) completed a survey on healthcare experiences and beliefs about HIV and PrEP. While 98% of the sample knew about PrEP, only 23.2% reported currently taking PrEP. Participants were more likely to be taking PrEP if they received PrEP information from a healthcare provider and endorsed STI-related risk compensation. Conversely, PrEP uptake was less likely among those with concerns about medication use and adherence. While there were no racial/ethnic differences in PrEP uptake, there were differences in correlates of PrEP use for White participants and participants of color. To facilitate PrEP uptake, clinicians should provide PrEP education and screen all patients for PrEP candidacy. Additionally, public health messaging must reframe HIV "risk", highlight benefits of STI testing, and emphasize the importance of preventive healthcare for SMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jaiswal
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, 115 Russell Hall, 504 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35401, USA.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA.
| | - C LoSchiavo
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - S Meanley
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research On AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - K Hascher
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, 115 Russell Hall, 504 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35401, USA
| | - A B Cox
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, 115 Russell Hall, 504 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35401, USA
| | - K B Dunlap
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, 115 Russell Hall, 504 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35401, USA
| | - S N Singer
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
- Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology, Rutgers University, 152 Frelinghuysen Road, Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - P N Halkitis
- Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS), Rutgers School of Public Health, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
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19
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Crawford ND, Albarran T, Chamberlain A, Hopkins R, Josma D, Morris J, Onwubiko UN. Willingness to Discuss and Screen for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Pharmacies Among Men Who Have Sex With Men. J Pharm Pract 2021; 34:734-740. [PMID: 32067554 PMCID: PMC10443399 DOI: 10.1177/0897190020904590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the willingness to discuss and be screened for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in pharmacies among MSM. METHODS Led by Georgia's Fulton County Board of Health, this study surveyed individuals who attended 2 Atlanta-based Gay Pride events in 2018. This analysis was limited to those who identified as men who have sex with men (MSM) who were not HIV positive and reported never using PrEP. Multivariable regression was used to determine the correlates of willingness to discuss and be screened for PrEP in-pharmacy. RESULTS Most (69%) were willing to discuss PrEP with pharmacy staff and 61.35% were willing to be screened for PrEP in-pharmacy. Those who were interested in PrEP were significantly more willing to discuss PrEP in-pharmacy compared to those not interested in PrEP (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.65; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.11-2.48). Race was not associated with willingness to discuss PrEP with pharmacy staff. However, black MSM (BMSM) were less willing to be screened in pharmacies than white MSM, until we accounted for interest in PrEP (PR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09-1.48). DISCUSSION Pharmacies may be an optimal setting to expand PrEP access to reach racial minorities who have the highest need but are not being reached. Pharmacy-based PrEP discussions and screening could improve awareness of HIV status and increase PrEP knowledge and uptake. Future studies should determine optimal pharmacy conditions under which PrEP screening and uptake are acceptable for BMSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie D. Crawford
- Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Taynel Albarran
- Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Allison Chamberlain
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Fulton County Board of Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Roderick Hopkins
- Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dorie Josma
- Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joseph Morris
- Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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20
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Burns PA, Hall CDX, Poteat T, Mena LA, Wong FY. Living While Black, Gay, and Poor: The Association of Race, Neighborhood Structural Disadvantage, and PrEP Utilization Among a Sample of Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Deep South. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2021; 33:395-410. [PMID: 34596429 PMCID: PMC10134438 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2021.33.5.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Utilizing the Andersen Healthcare Utilization Model, we examined the role of neighborhood context on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization among a sample of Black men who have sex with men (MSM) residing in a medium-sized city in the Deep South. Data were derived from a sample of 142 Black MSM aged 18-64 years who were eligible for PrEP from a community-based study known as "ACCELERATE!" We used multilevel structural equation modeling to assess PrEP use. Social support, sexual risk, and health care access were predictive of PrEP use. Notably, residing in a neighborhood with concentrated poverty was associated with decreased PrEP use. Our findings reveal neighborhood structural disadvantage is associated with decreased PrEP use among Black MSM, after adjusting of individual-level sociodemographic characteristics. There is an urgent need to develop HIV prevention interventions and programs that explicitly address structural-level factors to eliminate racial/ethnic differences in HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Burns
- University of Mississippi Medical Center. John D. Bower School of Population Health | Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education and Policy, 2500 North State Street, TR202-09, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
| | - Casey D. Xavier Hall
- Northwestern University, Department of Medical Social Sciences at Feinberg School of Medicine | Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, 625 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Tonia Poteat
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, School of Medicine | Department of Social Medicine and Center for Health Equity Research 321 S. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Leandro A. Mena
- University of Mississippi Medical Center. John D. Bower School of Population Health | Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education and Policy, 2500 North State Street, TR202-09, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
- Univerisity of Mississippi Medical Center, School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
| | - Frank Y. Wong
- University of Mississippi Medical Center. John D. Bower School of Population Health | Center for HIV/AIDS Research, Education and Policy, 2500 North State Street, TR202-09, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
- Florida State University, College of Nursing | Center for Population Sciences and Health Equity, 2010 Levy Avenue, Building B, Suite 3600, Tallahassee, FL 32310
- University of Hawaiì at Mānoa, Department of Psychology, Sakamaki C 400, 2530 Dole St C 400, Honolulu, HI 96822
- Fudan University, School of Public Health-Epidemiology, Shanghai, China
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Schumacher CM, Tao X, Chandran A, Fields E, Price A, Greenbaum A, Jennings JM. Reaching Those Most at Risk for HIV Acquisition: Evaluating Racial/Ethnic Disparities in the Preexposure Prophylaxis Care Continuum in Baltimore City, Maryland. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1145-1153. [PMID: 33883471 PMCID: PMC9306005 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing HIV incidence requires addressing persistent racial/ethnic disparities in HIV burden. Our goal was to evaluate preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery, overall and relative to community need, among 7 clinical sites participating in a health department-led demonstration project to increase PrEP in Baltimore city, MD. METHODS PrEP care continuum stages (screened, indicated, referred, linked, evaluated, prescribed) were examined among HIV-negative individuals receiving services at participating sites between September 30, 2015 and September 29, 2019. Community need was defined using information on new HIV diagnoses (2016-2018). Differences in care continuum progression by demographics/priority population and comparison of demographic compositions between care continuum stages and new HIV diagnoses were examined using modified Poisson regression and χ2 tests, respectively. RESULTS Among 25,886 PrEP-screened individuals, the majority were non-Hispanic (NH) black (81.1%, n = 20,998), cisgender male (61.1%, n = 15,825), and heterosexual (86.7%, n = 22,452). Overall, 31.1% (n = 8063) were PrEP-indicated; among whom, 56.8% (n = 4578), 15.6% (n = 1250), 10.8% (n = 868), and 9.0% (n = 722) were PrEP-referred, linked, evaluated, and prescribed, respectively. Among 2870 men who have sex with men (MSM), 18.7% (n = 538) were PrEP-prescribed. Across all groups, the highest attrition was between PrEP-referred and PrEP-linked. NH-black race (vs. NH-white) was independently associated with lower likelihood of PrEP prescription (aPR, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.81 to 0.98 controlling for age/gender). Relative to the demographic composition of new HIV diagnoses, fewer NH-blacks (80.2% vs. 54.3%) and more NH-whites (10.7% vs. 30.3%) and MSM were PrEP prescribed (55.2% vs. 74.5%). CONCLUSIONS This project showed promise delivering PrEP referrals and prescriptions overall and to MSM. Substantial improvement is needed to improve linkage overall and to decrease disparities in PrEP prescriptions among NH-blacks. Future work should focus on addressing service gaps that hinder PrEP utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Schumacher
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Child and Community Health Research, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Xueting Tao
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Child and Community Health Research, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Aruna Chandran
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; and
| | - Errol Fields
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Child and Community Health Research, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | | | - Jacky M Jennings
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Child and Community Health Research, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; and
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22
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Russ S, Zhang C, Liu Y. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Care Continuum, Barriers, and Facilitators among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:2278-2288. [PMID: 33438151 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03156-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) represents a viable HIV prevention tool for black men who have sex with men (BMSM). However, aggregated evidence regarding the presentations and determinants of the PrEP continuum (e.g., awareness, willingness, intention, uptake and adherence) remains absent to empirically inform future intervention efforts. We meta-analytically summarized the prevalence and qualitatively synthesized key barriers/facilitators of the stages of the PrEP continuum among a pooled sample of 42,870 BMSM aggregated from 56 published studies. Our random-effect models indicated a pooled prevalence of PrEP awareness (50.8%, 95% CI: 43.6-58.0%, willingness/intention (58.2%, 95% CI: 52.0-68.1%) and uptake (15.5%, 95% CI: 12.8-18.2%). Qualitative summary revealed that perception of HIV risk, intersectional/PrEP-related stigma and medical mistrust were among the most quoted factors that influence PrEP use. BMSM remain underrepresented in key stages of the PrEP continuum. Futures interventions are continuously needed to target multilevel barriers/facilitators to enhance the PrEP continuum among BMSM.
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23
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Farley JE, Dangerfield DT, LaRicci J, Sacamano P, Heidari O, Lowensen K, Jennings JM, Tobin KE. Community engagement and linkage to care efforts by peer community-health workers to increase PrEP uptake among sexual minority men. Public Health Nurs 2021; 38:818-824. [PMID: 33749022 PMCID: PMC8451756 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV yet uptake remains suboptimal across the United States. This paper evaluates the impact of outreach activities led by nurse supervised community healthcare workers (CHWs) on the PrEP care cascade. Methods This is an observational programmatic evaluation of LGBTQ + community outreach between March 1, 2016, to March 31, 2020, as part of a public health initiative. Descriptive statistics are used to characterize the data by outreach type. Results 2,465 participants were reached. Overall, a PrEP appointment was scheduled for 94 (3.8%) with 70 (2.8%) confirmed to have completed a PrEP visit. Success for each type of community outreach activity was evaluated with virtual models outperforming face‐to‐face. Face‐to‐face outreach identified nine persons among 2,188 contacts (0.41%) completing an initial PrEP visit. The website prepmaryland.org identified 4 among 24 contacts (16.7%) and the PrEP telephone/text warm‐line identified 18 among 60 contacts (30%). The PrEPme smartphone application identified 39 among 168 contacts (23.2%). Conclusions Face‐to‐face community outreach efforts reached a large number of participants, yet had a lower yield in follow‐up and confirmed PrEP visits. All virtual platforms reached lower total numbers, but had greater success in attendance at PrEP visits, suggesting enhanced linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Farley
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Derek T Dangerfield
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessica LaRicci
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Paul Sacamano
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Omeid Heidari
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kelly Lowensen
- The REACH Initiative, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jacky M Jennings
- Center for Child and Community Health Research, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Karin E Tobin
- Department of Health Behavior, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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24
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Social-Environmental Resilience, PrEP Uptake, and Viral Suppression among Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men and Young Black Transgender Women: the Neighborhoods and Networks (N2) Study in Chicago. J Urban Health 2020; 97:728-738. [PMID: 32468507 PMCID: PMC7560645 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-020-00425-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) and young black transgender women (TGW) have experienced a stark disparity in HIV prevention and care. Resilience, collective resources to adapt stressors or adversities, may improve HIV prevention and care outcomes. The present study investigated the association of resilience-based factors with PrEP uptake and viral suppression from a socioecological perspective among YBMSM and young black TGW. Data were from the baseline cycle of the Neighborhoods and Networks (N2) Study, an ongoing cohort study of 16-34-year-old YBMSM and young black TGW in Chicago (n = 324). Confidant network-level and neighborhood affiliation variables were created to measure the social-environmental context of resilience. All analyses were stratified by participants' HIV status (184 HIV-negative participants and 140 HIV-positive participants). Among HIV-negative participants, having a parental figure within an individual's confidant network was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of PrEP use. Among HIV-positive participants, confidant network members' awareness of an individual's HIV status was associated with viral suppression. Social support resources from confidant networks could improve HIV prevention and care engagement among YBMSM and young black TGW. Understanding the social and environmental contexts of resilience resource is critical for HIV prevention and care engagement.
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25
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Gordián-Arroyo A, Garofalo R, Kuhns LM, Pearson C, Bruce J, Batey DS, Radix A, Belkind U, Hidalgo MA, Hirshfield S, Schrimshaw EW, Schnall R. Awareness, Willingness, and Perceived Efficacy of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males. J Urban Health 2020; 97:749-757. [PMID: 32789625 PMCID: PMC7560632 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-020-00447-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite the approval of PrEP for adolescents by the FDA in 2018, little is known about the awareness and attitudes about PrEP use among adolescent sexual minority males, who are at the greatest risk for HIV. We analyzed baseline data from the MyPEEPS Mobile study, a multi-site randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile behavioral HIV prevention intervention. A substantial proportion (68.2%) of study participants (ages 13-18) had previously heard about PrEP, and an overwhelming majority (90.8%) reported willingness to take PrEP, to prevent HIV. On the other hand, only about one third (34.6%) of participants indicated that taking a daily HIV pill would be "very" or "completely" effective in preventing HIV when having sex without a condom. These findings suggest that high awareness and willingness to use PrEP across various adolescent subgroups present opportunities for increased PrEP advocacy among this young age group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Garofalo
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lisa M Kuhns
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Josh Bruce
- Birmingham AIDS Outreach, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - D Scott Batey
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Asa Radix
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Uri Belkind
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco A Hidalgo
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California/Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sabina Hirshfield
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Department of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Eric W Schrimshaw
- University of Central Florida, College of Medicine, Orlando, FL, USA
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26
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A Survey on HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, Risk Behaviors, and Characteristics of Men Who Have Sex with Men among University Students in Guangxi, China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:7857231. [PMID: 32626763 PMCID: PMC7312710 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7857231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among Chinese university students has increased significantly, and HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) comprises more than half of the new cases. There is still a lack of research investigating the incidence of male-to-male sex, the attitudes towards MSM, and the awareness of HIV/AIDS among university students in Guangxi, one of the HIV high-risk areas in China. Therefore, we performed a cross-sectional investigation among 578 male students, recruited by stratified sampling, in universities in Nanning, Guangxi, between January 2016 and March 2017. Researcher-administered anonymous questionnaires were completed. Self-recognition as MSM was found in 8.48% of the subjects. Compared with non-MSM, university student MSM included more people over the age of 20 (OR = 4.95), had less migration from other districts of Guangxi (OR = 0.26), and the majority were nonmedical students (OR = 8.99). In total, 63.25% of the male student participants reported a lack of acceptance of MSM, while 35.47% acknowledged barriers between themselves and acquaintances who were MSM. Overall, 67.30% of the subjects correctly answered questions related to AIDS knowledge. The proportion of MSM subjects who answered the AIDS-related questions completely correctly was significantly lower than that of non-MSM subjects (42.86% vs. 69. 57%, respectively, OR: 0.33), but the self-recognition risk of MSM was significantly higher than that of non-MSM (OR = 2.59). Risky behaviors associated with HIV infections, including smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and inconsistent condom use, were significantly higher among the MSM participants. The percentages of student's willingness to accept MC and PrEP were 70.93% and 77.51%, respectively. These results raise the alarm that university student MSM in Guangxi, China, require urgent public attention and more effective health education, including the education on MC and PrEP.
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27
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Heidari O, Dangerfield DT, Hickson DA. Sexual risk and sexual healthcare utilization profiles among Black sexual minority men in the U.S. Deep South. AIDS Care 2020; 32:1602-1609. [PMID: 32476446 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1772455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Black gay, bisexual, and other Black sexual minority men (BSMM) continue to experience negative health outcomes along the HIV prevention and treatment continuum, especially in the U.S. Deep South. The purpose of this study is to identify sexual risk and healthcare utilization profiles behaviors among BSMM in the Deep South. Guided by the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations, latent class analysis was used to identify sexual risk and healthcare utilization profiles using data from 348 individuals in Jackson, MS and Atlanta, GA. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the correlates of class membership. A 3-class solution was identified: Class 1 (Substance using, Low Testers); Class 2 (Condom using testers), and Class 3 (Casual Partner Testers). Class 1 had the highest conditional probabilities of drug (75%) and alcohol (84%) use before sex and the lowest probability of STI and HIV testing. Class 2 had the highest probabilities of condom use and a 65% probability of seeing a healthcare provider. Class 3 had the highest probability of inconsistent condom use and seeing a healthcare provider in the previous 12 months (76%). Findings support the need for targeted interventions tailored to BSMM of different sexual risk and healthcare utilization behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omeid Heidari
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
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28
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Olansky E, Mansergh G, Pitts N, Mimiaga MJ, Denson DJ, Landers S, Holman J, Herbst JH. PrEP Awareness in the Context of HIV/AIDS Conspiracy Beliefs Among Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino MSM in Three Urban US Cities. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2020; 67:833-843. [PMID: 30633661 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2018.1557953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We examined HIV conspiracy beliefs and PrEP awareness in a convenience sample of minority MSM. Participants in three cities completed a behavioral self-assessment on sociodemographics, PrEP awareness, and HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs. HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs were more common among Black than Latino MSM (58% vs. 42%, p < .05), and among younger men than older men (age 18-29 (50%), 30-39 (22%), 40+ (28%); p < .05). PrEP awareness co-occurred with conspiracy belief less (37%) than with non-belief (63%, p < .05), persisting in multivariable regression (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.38-0.71). This relationship suggests that current HIV care and prevention messaging is either inaccessible or not credible to some minority subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | | | - Jeremy Holman
- Health Resources in Action, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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29
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Fields EL, Long A, Bademosi K, Granderson R, Schumacher CM, Chandran A, Kingon Y, Jennings JM. Identifying Community-Informed Language to Promote HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Black LGBTQ Communities in Baltimore. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2020; 32:152-168. [PMID: 32539478 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2020.32.2.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
LGBTQ populations, particularly Black men who have sex with men and transgender women, experience significant HIV disparities; public health messages may inadvertently stigmatize LGBTQ populations. We sought to use qualitative methods to inform a PrEP campaign. Unstructured focus groups were conducted among predominantly Black LGBTQ persons recruited through social media and events. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed in NVivo using categorical analysis. Eighty individuals participated in 13 focus groups; 80% (64) identified as sexual or gender minorities. Eighty-eight percent (70) identified as Black/African American. Four themes emerged: (1) culturally competent, community-informed, locally relevant messaging, (2) avoiding stigmatizing language or images, (3) inaccessibility of clinical language, and (4) using identity labels representing local communities and their diversity. Findings suggest PrEP campaigns need to be developed through community-informed processes to engage and avoid stigmatizing priority populations. Ongoing partnerships between public health and LGBTQ communities can facilitate development of campaigns with engaging, acceptable language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Errol L Fields
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Amanda Long
- Center for Child and Community Health Research (CCHR), Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
| | | | - Ricky Granderson
- PhD student in Counseling Psychology at Indiana University Bloomington School of Education, Bloomington, Indiana
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christina M Schumacher
- Center for Child and Community Health Research (CCHR), Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
| | - Aruna Chandran
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
| | - Yvonne Kingon
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Health Care for the Homeless, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jacky M Jennings
- Center for Child and Community Health Research (CCHR), Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
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30
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Duncan DT, Sutton MY, Park SH, Callander D, Kim B, Jeffries WL, Henny KD, Harry-Hernández S, Barber S, Hickson DA. Associations Between Neighborhood Problems and Sexual Behaviors Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Deep South: The MARI Study. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:185-193. [PMID: 31950381 PMCID: PMC7410008 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01619-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There is a disproportionately high HIV incidence among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) despite equal or lower levels of HIV risk behaviors compared to White MSM. Due to high levels of racial segregation in the U.S., Black MSM have an elevated likelihood of living in neighborhoods that contain psychosocial stressors, which, in turn, may increase behaviors promoting HIV infection. We examined associations between perceived neighborhood problems and sexual behaviors among Black MSM in the Deep South, a population at highest risk of HIV. Data came from the MARI Study, which included Black MSM ages 18-66 years recruited from the Jackson, MS, and Atlanta, GA, metropolitan areas (n = 377). Participants completed questions about neighborhood problems (e.g., excessive noise, heavy traffic/speeding cars and trash/litter) and sexual behaviors (e.g., condomless sex and drug use before or during sex). We used Poisson's regression model with robust standard errors to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR; 95% confidence intervals [CI]) of neighborhood problems (coded as tertiles [tertile 1 = low neighborhood problems, tertile 2 = medium neighborhood problems, tertile 3 = high neighborhood problems] as well as continuously) with sexual behaviors, after adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and other variables. About one-fourth of the sample reported at least one neighborhood problem, with the most common (31.6%) being no/poorly maintained sidewalks, which indicates an infrastructural problem. In multivariable models, compared to those in the lowest tertile, those reporting more neighborhood problems (tertile 2: aPR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.14 and tertile 3: aPR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.24) reported more drug use before or during sex (p for trend = .027). Neighborhood problems may promote behaviors (e.g., drug use before or during sex) conducive to HIV infection. Structural interventions could improve community infrastructure to reduce neighborhood problems (e.g., no/poorly maintained sidewalks and litter). These interventions may help to reduce HIV incidence among Black MSM in the Deep South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin T Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, Room 715, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Madeline Y Sutton
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Su Hyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, Room 715, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Denton Callander
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, Room 715, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Byoungjun Kim
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, Room 715, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - William L Jeffries
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kirk D Henny
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Salem Harry-Hernández
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, Room 715, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Sharrelle Barber
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - DeMarc A Hickson
- Center for Research, Evaluation and Environmental and Policy Change, My Brother's Keeper, Inc, Jackson, MS, USA
- Us Helping Us, People Into Living, Inc, Washington, DC, USA
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Klein H, Washington TA. Older Versus Younger Men Who Have Sex with Men: Awareness of and Potential Barriers to the Use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Medication to Prevent the Transmission of HIV. JOURNAL OF AIDS AND HIV TREATMENT 2020; 2:42-50. [PMID: 33693447 PMCID: PMC7943186 DOI: 10.33696/aids.2.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This paper compares younger (aged 18–39; n=197) and older (ages 50+; n=53) MSM to determine their familiarity with PrEP, willingness to learn more about PrEP, perceptions of stigma relating to PrEP use, and perceptions of barriers to PrEP adoption. Methods: A purposive sample of diverse MSM completed 15-minute questionnaires. Younger and older MSM were compared using Student’s t-tests and odds ratios for bivariate analyses, and multivariate logistic regression and multiple regressions for analyses controlling for key demographic characteristics. Results: Compared to younger MSM, older MSM were more aware of PrEP, more likely to know another PrEP user, less interested in learning more about PrEP, and more averse to using existing resources to learn more about PrEP. Older men perceived less stigma relating to PrEP and fewer obstacles needing to be overcome in order to give serious consideration to PrEP adoption. These differences remained when race, educational attainment, sexual orientation, and HIV serostatus were controlled. Conclusions: There is a “good news/bad news” situation with respect to older MSM and PrEP. They were more aware of PrEP, less likely to associate stigma with PrEP use or PrEP users, and anticipated fewer barriers to PrEP adoption. They were also less interested than their younger counterparts in learning more about PrEP and expressed less comfort using existing sources of information to learn more about PrEP. Age-appropriate PrEP educational campaigns are advisable in order to reach older MSM and encourage more of them to consider PrEP adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh Klein
- Kensington Research Institute, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
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32
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Klein H, Washington TA. Why more men who have sex with men are not using PrEP-The role played by lack of interest in learning more about PrEP. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN SOCIAL SERVICES 2019; 32:99-114. [PMID: 34054264 PMCID: PMC8157657 DOI: 10.1080/10538720.2019.1681339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper examines lack of interest in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and lack of willingness to use PrEP information sources among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS Demographic subgroups were compared via odds ratios in this purposive sample of 273 MSM. RESULTS 29% were uninterested in learning more about PrEP. Lack of interest was most common among: already PrEP-aware, Caucasian, HIV-positive, aged 40+, well-educated men. Most sources of information about PrEP were deemed unacceptable. CONCLUSIONS Fueling the lack of PrEP use among MSM are a lack of interest in PrEP and an unwillingness to utilize existing information resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh Klein
- Kensington Research Institute, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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33
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Ezennia O, Geter A, Smith DK. The PrEP Care Continuum and Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Scoping Review of Published Data on Awareness, Uptake, Adherence, and Retention in PrEP Care. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:2654-2673. [PMID: 31463711 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02641-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated high efficacy to reduce HIV infections, however, racial/ethnic HIV disparities continue among black MSM. The purpose of this review was to assess available data to inform interventions to increase PrEP awareness, uptake, and adherence among black MSM. Of the 3024 studies retrieved, 36 met final inclusion criteria and were categorized into the PrEP care continuum: (1) awareness (n = 16), (2) uptake (n = 9), and (3) adherence (n = 12). Only 26 of the studies presented analytical findings by race/ethnicity. Key barrier themes included cost, HIV-related stigma, and fear of potential side effects. A key facilitator theme identified by black MSM included gaining PrEP awareness from social and sexual networks. There are significant gaps in research on black MSM and PrEP utilization, especially regarding PrEP uptake and adherence. These data are needed to inform interventions to address current inequities in PrEP services, to help improve care outcomes for black MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelica Geter
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP), National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Rd NE MS E-45, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Dawn K Smith
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention (DHAP), National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1600 Clifton Rd NE MS E-45, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA.
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Kwan TH, Lee SS. Bridging Awareness and Acceptance of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and the Need for Targeting Chemsex and HIV Testing: Cross-Sectional Survey. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2019; 5:e13083. [PMID: 31271148 PMCID: PMC6636239 DOI: 10.2196/13083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is currently an important tool for HIV prevention, especially in communities with higher risk of infection, notably men who have sex with men (MSM). To date, PrEP has remained generally unavailable in many cities around the world. In the planning of strategies for PrEP targeting MSM, community assessment is crucial to understand members’ responses to the new intervention. Objective Awareness and acceptance are 2 different but intricately linked contexts of PrEP. The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of awareness and acceptance of PrEP among MSM and to delineate their interrelationships in Hong Kong where PrEP services have not been developed. Methods A Web-based questionnaire survey was administered in light of the popularity of the internet as a platform for information and networking in the MSM community. Factors associated with PrEP acceptance and awareness were separately analyzed, and their predictors were subsequently tested by multivariate logistic regression. Associations between acceptance and awareness of PrEP were examined by factor network analysis. Results Between August and September 2016, results from a total of 453 HIV-negative MSM were analyzed. Half (49.7%, 225/453) of the respondents were aware of PrEP, and 78.3% (355/453) would consider using PrEP when it becomes available. Awareness of PrEP was associated with recent (P=.01) and ongoing (P=.04) use of psychotropic drugs for sex (chemsex). MSM who used online forums to seek sex partners had lower awareness (P=.04) than those visiting physical venues for sex networking. MSM who accepted PrEP were more likely users of internet channels for sex networking (P=.049), especially location-based social network apps (P=.04). MSM accepting PrEP were more concerned about their partners’ HIV status (P=.002), history of sexually transmitted infections (P=.01), condom use (P=.02), and HIV testing behavior (P=.02). Multivariate logistic regressions revealed that PrEP awareness was related to one’s networking pattern, whereas its acceptance was associated with inclination to self-protect from HIV. Factor network analysis highlighted the importance of chemsex, which was linked by over half of the edges, whereas the rest were contributed by HIV testing behaviors. Conclusions In Hong Kong, the overall awareness among MSM toward PrEP was only moderate but their acceptance was higher. Targeting MSM with chemsex behaviors through Web-based platforms and parallel development of tailored HIV testing services are important when introducing PrEP in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz Ho Kwan
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Shui Shan Lee
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China (Hong Kong)
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Schueler K, Ferreira M, Nikolopoulos G, Skaathun B, Paraskevis D, Hatzakis A, Friedman SR, Schneider JA. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness and Use Within High HIV Transmission Networks. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1893-1903. [PMID: 30706217 PMCID: PMC6800107 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02411-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Improved implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should be a valuable tool within communities experiencing high HIV incidence, such as black men who have sex with men (MSM). Using baseline data from the Chicago arm of the Transmission Reduction Intervention Project (TRIP), we examined awareness and use of PrEP within HIV potential transmission networks. Transmission Reduction Intervention Project recruited participants ages 18-69 (N = 218) during 2014-2016 from networks originating from recently and chronically HIV-infected MSM and transgender persons. In total, 53.2% of participants had heard of PrEP, while 8 (6.5%) HIV-negative participants reported ever using PrEP. In multivariable regression, PrEP awareness was associated with identifying as gay, attending some college or higher, having an HIV test in the previous 6 months, and experiencing HIV-related social support. PrEP awareness was not associated with experiencing or observing HIV-related stigma. PrEP use was associated with participants knowing two or more other PrEP-users. These findings demonstrate moderate awareness, but low uptake of PrEP within HIV potential transmission networks in Chicago. Future research should explore how to increase PrEP use in these networks and investigate the social dynamics behind our finding that PrEP users are more likely to know other PrEP users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie Schueler
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, 924 E 57th St, Suite 104, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Matthew Ferreira
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC5065, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Britt Skaathun
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- National Development and Research Institutes, New York City, NY, USA
| | - John A Schneider
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, 924 E 57th St, Suite 104, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Ave, MC5065, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Medina MM, Crowley C, Montgomery MC, Tributino A, Almonte A, Sowemimo-Coker G, Nunn A, Chan PA. Disclosure of HIV Serostatus and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Use on Internet Hookup Sites Among Men Who have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1681-1688. [PMID: 30267365 PMCID: PMC6438768 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2286-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM) who use websites and smartphone applications to meet sexual partners ("hookup sites") may be at increased HIV risk. Many sites provide profile options to disclose HIV status and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. Little is known about the acceptability of disclosure options which may guide sexual decision-making. We evaluated 104 MSM presenting to a publicly-funded STD clinic. Most (86%) had met a partner online in the last 12 months; 55 and 27% reported using the HIV and PrEP disclosure options, respectively. White MSM were less likely to disclose HIV status than MSM of color (46% vs 74%, p < 0.05). Fifty-three percent of men were more likely to contact a potential partner who disclosed being HIV-negative, and 48% were more likely to do so if the person disclosed being on PrEP. Future HIV prevention approaches should promote disclosure options among MSM meeting partners online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha M. Medina
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - Madeline C. Montgomery
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Alec Tributino
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Alexi Almonte
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - Amy Nunn
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Philip A. Chan
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island,Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
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Chandran A, Marcell AV, Sanders RA, Perin J, Page KR, Loosier PS, Dittus PJ, Jennings JM. Characteristics of the Provider-Patient Encounter Associated With Awareness of and Willingness to Take PrEP Among Young Minority Urban Males in Baltimore City. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2019; 31:237-245. [PMID: 31145005 PMCID: PMC6631299 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2019.31.3.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to identify provider encounter characteristics associated with awareness of and willingness to take PrEP among young urban minority males at higher risk for HIV acquisition. The 74 individuals included in this analysis from a cross-sectional survey of males aged 15-24 being seen at a Baltimore city clinic were those who identified as a man who had sex with men (MSM), reported injection drug use, were in a serodiscordant relationship, had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 6 months, or reported condomless sex with a partner with unknown HIV status. Topics of provider-initiated conversations associated with willingness to take PrEP included one's sexual behavior (OR 7.35, 95% CI [2.23, 24.26]), whether one had been hurt by a partner (OR 4.71, 95% CI [1.40, 15.87]), and risk reduction (OR 6.91, 95% CI [2.10, 22.81]). This study may yield new targets for provider-level interventions for increasing PrEP uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Chandran
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arik V. Marcell
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Renata Arrington Sanders
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie Perin
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen R. Page
- Johns Hopkins University, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Penny S. Loosier
- Johns Hopkins University, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Patricia J. Dittus
- Johns Hopkins University, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jacky M. Jennings
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Chen YT, Kolak M, Duncan DT, Schumm P, Michaels S, Fujimoto K, Schneider JA. Neighbourhoods, networks and pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness: a multilevel analysis of a sample of young black men who have sex with men. Sex Transm Infect 2019; 95:228-235. [PMID: 30518619 PMCID: PMC11581783 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2018-053639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) in the USA represent a subgroup that has the highest HIV incidence among the overall population. In the USA, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention intervention to prevent HIV acquisition when taken regularly. Neighbourhood and network factors may relate to PrEP awareness, but have not been studied in YBMSM. This study aimed to examine the relationship of neighbourhood and network characteristics with PrEP awareness among YBMSM. METHODS We used data collected from a sample of 618 YBMSM in Chicago (2013-2014). Home addresses were collected for participants and enumerated network members. Administrative data (eg, 2014 American Community Survey, Chicago Department of Public Health) were used to describe residence characteristics. Network member characteristics were also collected (eg, sexual partners' sex-drug use, confidant network members who were also MSM). Multilevel analysis was performed to examine the relationships of neighbourhood and network characteristics to PrEP awareness. RESULTS Higher neighbourhood-level educational attainment (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.02, p=0.03) and greater primary care density (aOR 1.38, p=0.01) were associated with greater PrEP awareness; greater neighbourhood alcohol outlet density (aOR 0.52, p=0.004) was associated with less PrEP awareness. Sexual network members residing in the same neighbourhood as the participants (aOR 2.58, p=0.03) and discussions around avoiding HIV acquisition with confidants (aOR 2.26, p=0.04) were associated with greater PrEP awareness. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that neighbourhood and network characteristics can influence PrEP awareness in YBMSM. Additional studies are needed to understand the influences of neighbourhood (eg, MSM serving venues) and network (eg, peer to peer communication) characteristics on dissemination of PrEP information, uptake and adherence and the related mechanisms behind the associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Tyng Chen
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marynia Kolak
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- NYU Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Department of Population Health, School of Medicine, New York University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Phil Schumm
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Kayo Fujimoto
- Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John A Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Hammack PL, Toolis EE, Wilson BDM, Clark RC, Frost DM. Making Meaning of the Impact of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) on Public Health and Sexual Culture: Narratives of Three Generations of Gay and Bisexual Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1041-1058. [PMID: 30874978 PMCID: PMC7175836 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-1417-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with Truvada has emerged as an increasingly common approach to HIV prevention among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. This study examined generational differences and similarities in narrative accounts of PrEP among a diverse sample of 89 gay and bisexual men in the U.S. Over 50% of men in the older (52-59 years) and younger (18-25 years) generations endorsed positive views, compared with 32% of men in the middle (34-41 years) generation. Men in the middle cohort expressed the most negative (21%) and ambivalent (47%) views of PrEP. Thematic analysis of men's narratives revealed three central stories about the perceived impact of PrEP: (1) PrEP has a positive impact on public health by preventing HIV transmission (endorsed more frequently by men in the older and younger cohorts); (2) PrEP has a positive effect on gay and bisexual men's sexual culture by decreasing anxiety and making sex more enjoyable (endorsed more frequently by men in the middle and younger cohorts); and (3) PrEP has a negative impact on public health and sexual culture by increasing condomless, multi-partner sex (endorsed more frequently by men in the middle and younger cohorts). Results are discussed in terms of the significance of generation cohort in meanings of sexual health and culture and implications for public health approaches to PrEP promotion among gay and bisexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L Hammack
- Department of Psychology, University of California,Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
| | - Erin E Toolis
- Department of Psychology, University of California,Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | | | - Richard C Clark
- Department of Psychology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David M Frost
- Department of Social Science, University College, London, UK
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40
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Jenness SM, Maloney KM, Smith DK, Hoover KW, Goodreau SM, Rosenberg ES, Weiss KM, Liu AY, Rao DW, Sullivan PS. Addressing Gaps in HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Care to Reduce Racial Disparities in HIV Incidence in the United States. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:743-752. [PMID: 30312365 PMCID: PMC6438815 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwy230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the racial disparities in HIV incidence in the United States might be limited by racial gaps in PrEP care. We used a network-based mathematical model of HIV transmission for younger black and white men who have sex with men (BMSM and WMSM) in the Atlanta, Georgia, area to evaluate how race-stratified transitions through the PrEP care continuum from initiation to adherence and retention could affect HIV incidence overall and disparities in incidence between races, using current empirical estimates of BMSM continuum parameters. Relative to a no-PrEP scenario, implementing PrEP according to observed BMSM parameters was projected to yield a 23% decline in HIV incidence (hazard ratio = 0.77) among BMSM at year 10. The racial disparity in incidence in this observed scenario was 4.95 per 100 person-years at risk (PYAR), a 19% decline from the 6.08 per 100 PYAR disparity in the no-PrEP scenario. If BMSM parameters were increased to WMSM values, incidence would decline by 47% (hazard ratio = 0.53), with an associated disparity of 3.30 per 100 PYAR (a 46% decline in the disparity). PrEP could simultaneously lower HIV incidence overall and reduce racial disparities despite current gaps in PrEP care. Interventions addressing these gaps will be needed to substantially decrease disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Jenness
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kevin M Maloney
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Dawn K Smith
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Karen W Hoover
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Steven M Goodreau
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Eli S Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Albany, New York
| | - Kevin M Weiss
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Albert Y Liu
- Bridge HIV, Population Health Division, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, California
| | - Darcy W Rao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Amico KR, Ramirez C, Caplan MR, Montgomery BEE, Stewart J, Hodder S, Swaminathan S, Wang J, Darden‐Tabb NY, McCauley M, Mayer KH, Wilkin T, Landovitz RJ, Gulick R, Adimora AA, HPTN 069/A5305 Study Team and HPTN Women at Risk Committee. Perspectives of US women participating in a candidate PrEP study: adherence, acceptability and future use intentions. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25247. [PMID: 30869200 PMCID: PMC6416666 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Limited data exist on acceptability of candidate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimens among US women. We evaluated PrEP experiences, attitudes and future use intentions among sexually active women who completed the US-based HIV Prevention Trials Network 069/AIDS Clinical Trials Group 5305 study. METHODS Women participated in the study between March 2013 and November 2015. We analysed computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) surveys among 130 women and conducted in-depth interviews among a subset of 26 women from three sites. Interviews were conducted in mid/late-2015. RESULTS Most women (57%) reported very good/excellent PrEP adherence on CASI, although 21% acknowledged over-reporting adherence at least some of the time. Commitment to preventing HIV infection, a sense of ownership of the study, and keeping pills stored in a visible location facilitated adherence. Adherence barriers included "simply forgetting" and being away from home. Most women interviewed did not intend to use PrEP in the future because of lack of perceived need due to their own (as opposed to their partners') low-risk behaviour and concerns about affordability - but not because of side effects or other characteristics of the regimens. DISCUSSION Improving HIV prevention options for US women will require access to affordable PrEP as well as expanding women's understanding of relationship- and community-level factors that increase their risk of acquiring HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Rivet Amico
- University of Michigan School of Public HealthAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Catalina Ramirez
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of MedicineChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | - Brooke EE Montgomery
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Public HealthLittle RockARUSA
| | | | - Sally Hodder
- West Virginia University School of MedicineMorgantownWVUSA
- West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science InstituteMorgantownWVUSA
| | | | - Jing Wang
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleWAUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adaora A Adimora
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of MedicineChapel HillNCUSA
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Hammack PL, Meyer IH, Krueger EA, Lightfoot M, Frost DM. HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, familiarity, and attitudes among gay and bisexual men in the United States: A national probability sample of three birth cohorts. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202806. [PMID: 30192791 PMCID: PMC6128476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined HIV testing and use, familiarity, and attitudes toward pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among HIV-negative gay and bisexual men in the United States. A national probability sample (N = 470) of three age cohorts (18-25, 34-41, and 52-59 years) completed a survey between March, 2016 and March, 2017. Most men did not meet CDC recommendations for HIV testing, and 25.2% of men in the younger cohort had never tested. Only 4.1% used PrEP across cohorts. Visiting an LGBT clinic and searching for LGBT resources online were associated with PrEP use. Men in the middle cohort were more familiar with PrEP (79%) than men in the younger (52%) and older (57%) cohorts. Bisexual and non-urban men were less familiar with PrEP. Attitudes were positive among most men (68.4%) familiar with PrEP. Findings suggest that most men potentially at risk for HIV do not meet CDC guidelines for testing, and PrEP use continues to be minimal. Efforts to educate gay and bisexual men about HIV risk and prevention need to be reinvigorated and expanded to include non-gay-identified and non-urban men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L. Hammack
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
| | - Ilan H. Meyer
- Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Evan A. Krueger
- Williams Institute, UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Marguerita Lightfoot
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - David M. Frost
- Department of Social Science, University College, London, United Kingdom
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Mullins TLK, Lehmann CE. Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention in Adolescents and Young Adults. CURRENT PEDIATRICS REPORTS 2018; 6:114-122. [PMID: 30345163 DOI: 10.1007/s40124-018-0163-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review To review the literature about oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, with specific focus on adolescents. Recent findings Use of PrEP reduces new HIV infections among men who have sex with men, heterosexuals, and people who inject drugs. One combination antiretroviral medication is approved for PrEP in the U.S. for adults. Limited data suggest that PrEP is safe for use in youth, although declines in adherence to PrEP over time suggest the need for adherence interventions specifically targeting youth. Safety concerns related to PrEP include potential negative impacts on bone density and renal function, as well as potential increases in riskier sexual behaviors. The U.S. Public Health Service has published guidelines for PrEP use in adults. Summary Current data suggest that PrEP use is safe in adolescents; however, further research is needed on the potential impact of long-term PrEP use on bone density and kidney function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya L Kowalczyk Mullins
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229. University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Corinne E Lehmann
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229. University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati, OH 45267
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44
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Brooks RA, Allen VC, Regan R, Mutchler MG, Cervantes-Tadeo R, Lee SJ. HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs and intention to adopt preexposure prophylaxis among black men who have sex with men in Los Angeles. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 29:375-381. [PMID: 28853676 PMCID: PMC6221185 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417727691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, black men who have sex with men (MSM) are the group most affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an important new HIV prevention strategy that may help reduce new HIV infections among black MSM. This analysis examined the association between HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs and intentions to adopt PrEP among 224 black MSM. The likelihood of adopting PrEP was assessed and more than half (60%) of the study population indicated a high intention to adopt PrEP. HIV/AIDS genocidal and treatment-related conspiracies were assessed using scales previously validated with black MSM. Almost two-thirds (63%) endorsed at least one of eight HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs presented. In multivariable analyses, black MSM who agreed with the genocidal or treatment-related conspiracy beliefs scales had a lower intention to adopt PrEP (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54, 0.99 and AOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.23, 0.55, respectively). Our findings indicate that preexisting HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs may deter some black MSM from adopting PrEP. We suggest strategies PrEP implementers may want to employ to address the influence that HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs may have on the adoption of PrEP among black MSM, a population disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A Brooks
- 1 Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vincent C Allen
- 2 Georgia State University Counseling and Testing Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rotrease Regan
- 3 Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 1371 Emory University , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matt G Mutchler
- 4 Department of Sociology, California State University, Dominguez Hills, CA, USA
- 5 Community-Based Research, AIDS Project Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ramon Cervantes-Tadeo
- 1 Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sung-Jae Lee
- 6 Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Awareness and willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21580. [PMID: 28691439 PMCID: PMC5515024 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.1.21580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: To facilitate provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), a better understanding of potential demand and user preferences is required. This review assessed awareness and willingness to use oral PrEP among men who have sex with men (MSM) in LMIC. Methods: Electronic literature search of Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed, PsychINFO, CINHAL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted between July and September 2016. Reference lists of relevant studies were searched, and three authors contacted for additional data. Non-peer reviewed publications were excluded. Studies were screened for inclusion, and relevant data abstracted, assessed for bias, and synthesized. Results: In total, 2186 records were identified, of which 23 studies involving 14,040 MSM from LMIC were included. The proportion of MSM who were aware of PrEP was low at 29.7% (95% CI: 16.9–44.3). However, the proportion willing to use PrEP was higher, at 64.4% (95% CI: 53.3–74.8). Proportions of MSM aware of PrEP was <50% in 11 studies and 50–70% in 3 studies, while willingness to use PrEP was <50% in 6 studies, 50–70% in 9 studies, and over 80% in 5 studies. Several factors affected willingness to use PrEP. At the individual domain, poor knowledge of PrEP, doubts about its effectiveness, fear of side effects, low perception of HIV risk, and the need to adhere or take medicines frequently reduced willingness to use PrEP, while PrEP education and motivation to maintain good health were facilitators of potential use. Demographic factors (education, age, and migration) influenced both awareness and willingness to use PrEP, but their effects were not consistent across studies. At the social domain, anticipated stigma from peers, partners, and family members related to sexual orientation, PrEP, or HIV status were barriers to potential use of PrEP, while partner, peer, and family support were facilitators of potential use. At the structural domain, concerns regarding attitudes of healthcare providers, quality assurance, data protection, and cost were determinants of potential use. Conclusions: This review found that despite low levels of awareness of PrEP, MSM in LMIC are willing to use it if they are supported appropriately to deal with a range of individual, social, and structural barriers.
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Siegler AJ, Wirtz S, Weber S, Sullivan PS. Developing a Web-Based Geolocated Directory of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis-Providing Clinics: The PrEP Locator Protocol and Operating Procedures. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2017; 3:e58. [PMID: 28877865 PMCID: PMC5607436 DOI: 10.2196/publichealth.7902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing HIV transmission, yet patients interested in learning more about PrEP or in getting a PrEP prescription may not be able to find local medical providers willing to prescribe PrEP. Objective We sought to create a national database of PrEP-providing clinics to allow for patients to have access to a unified, vetted source of PrEP providers in an easily accessible database. Methods To develop the protocol and operating procedures for the PrEP Locator, we conducted a series of 7 key informant interviews with experts who had organized PrEP or other HIV service directories. We convened an external advisory committee and a collaborators board to gain expert and community-situated perspectives. Results At its public release in September 2016, the database included 1,272 PrEP-providing clinics, including clinics in all 50 states and in Puerto Rico. Web searches, referrals, and outreach to state health departments identified 58 unique lists of PrEP-providing clinics, with 33 from state health departments, 6 from government localities, 2 from professional medical organizations, and 19 from nongovernmental organizations. Out of the 2,420 clinics identified from the lists and Web searches, we removed 798 as duplicate entries, and we determined that 350 were ineligible for listing. The most common reasons for ineligibility were not having the appropriate medical licensure to prescribe PrEP (67/350) or not prescribing PrEP, based on self-report (192/350). Key informant interviews shaped important protocol decisions, such as listing clinics instead of individual clinicians as the primary data element and streamlining data collection to facilitate scalability. We developed a Web interface to provide public access to the data, with geolocated data display, search filter functionality, a webform for public suggestions of new clinics, and a publicly available directory Web tool that can be embedded in websites. In the 6 months following release, preplocator.org and hosting websites had received over 35,000 unique views and 300 clinic additions, and 5 websites had initiated hosting of the widget. Conclusions Directories exist for many preventive and treatment services. As new medical applications become available, there will be a corresponding need to develop new directories for service provision. Geolocated directories can assist patients in accessing care and have the potential to increase demand for and access to newer, more efficacious medical interventions. Early choices in the development of service directories have long-lasting impact, because once data collection begins, it can be challenging to reverse course. The PrEP Locator protocol may inform early decisions in the development of future service directories. Additionally, the case study on developing the PrEP Locator demonstrates the importance of formative work in identifying service-specific factors that can guide decisions on directory development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Susan Wirtz
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shannon Weber
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Walters SM, Reilly KH, Neaigus A, Braunstein S. Awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among women who inject drugs in NYC: the importance of networks and syringe exchange programs for HIV prevention. Harm Reduct J 2017; 14:40. [PMID: 28662716 PMCID: PMC5492910 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-017-0166-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who inject drugs (WWID) are at heightened risk for HIV due to biological, behavioral, and structural factors. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could aid in HIV prevention for WWID. However, little is known about WWID awareness of PrEP, which is a necessary step that must occur before PrEP uptake. We report factors associated with greater awareness among WWID to identify efficient means of awareness dissemination. METHODS Data from the 2015 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) system cycle on injection drug use collected in New York City (NYC) were used. Bivariable analyses, using chi-squared statistics, were conducted to examine correlates of awareness of PrEP with socio-demographic, behavioral, and health care variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted associations and determine differences in awareness of PrEP. RESULTS The analysis consisted of 118 WWID. Awareness of PrEP was relatively low (31%), and risk factors were high. In the last 12 months, almost two thirds (65%) reported condomless sex, approximately one third (31%) reported transactional sex, and one third (32%) reported sharing injection equipment. In multivariable logistic regression, increased PrEP awareness was associated with reported transactional sex (AOR 3.32, 95% CI 1.22-9.00) and having a conversation about HIV prevention at a syringe exchange program (SEP) (AOR 7.61, 95% CI 2.65-21.84). We did not find race, education, household income, age, binge drinking, or sexual identity to be significantly associated with PrEP awareness. CONCLUSIONS Large proportions of WWID were unaware of PrEP. These findings suggest that social networks (specifically sex work and SEP networks) are an efficient means for disseminating messaging about prevention materials such as PrEP. We recommend that SEP access increase, SEP processes be adopted in other health care settings, and WWID networks be utilized to increase PrEP awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Department of Sociology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
- , Stony Brook, New York, NY, 11794-4356, USA.
| | - Kathleen H Reilly
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Alan Neaigus
- Department of Epidemiology Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Braunstein
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City, NY, USA
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