1
|
Kalichman SC, Shkembi B, El-Krab R. Geometric approach to measuring intersectional stigma among black sexual minority men: reliability and validity in an HIV prevention context. Sex Health 2023; 20:441-452. [PMID: 37344210 DOI: 10.1071/sh23021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma and discrimination experiences attributable to multiple intersecting facets of the self (e.g. intersectional stigma) pose substantial challenges to accessing health services, including HIV prevention. While there have been theoretical advances in understanding multiple co-occurring stigmas, there are few psychometric instruments available to assess intersectional stigma. We have developed an approach to assessing intersectional stigma that conceptualises an intersection in geometric terms, defined as the line that connects points on two (or more) stigma dimensions and calculates scores derived from the geometric definition of intersecting lines. METHODS Following pilot studies to derive items and response formats, we administered newly developed enacted stigma (24-items) and anticipated stigma (17-items) scales with attributions to race and sexual minority status for stigma experiences to a sample of 422 Black sexual minority men at risk for HIV recruited through social media platforms. RESULTS The enacted and anticipated intersectional stigma scales, including subscales representing discrimination, interpersonal and felt stigma demonstrated evidence for reliability and construct validity. The enacted stigma scales were associated with medical mistrust, whereas the anticipated stigma scales predicted perceived barriers to using pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention. CONCLUSIONS The intersectional stigma scales offer greater specificity in measuring stigma experiences attributed to race, sexual minority status and the intersection of racial-sexual minority status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seth C Kalichman
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy (InCHIP), University of Connecticut, 2006 Hillside Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Bruno Shkembi
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy (InCHIP), University of Connecticut, 2006 Hillside Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Renee El-Krab
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention and Policy (InCHIP), University of Connecticut, 2006 Hillside Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Young LE. Effects of Online Friendships on Safer Sex Communication and Behavior among Black Sexual Minority Men: A Study of Network Exposure. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37712151 PMCID: PMC10940198 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2258309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
This study draws on social normative and social learning theories to examine the masspersonal safer sex communication (i.e., Facebook posts about safer sex) and safer sex behavior (i.e., condom use) in a cohort of Black sexual minority men (BSMM) (N = 340), with an eye toward understanding their relationship with the safer sex communication and behaviors of their BSMM Facebook friends. Using linear network autocorrelation regression models, results showed that BSMM's safer sex communication and condom use behavior were each associated with the communication and behavior of their online peers. Specifically, BSMM's condom use was positively associated with their friends' condom use and friends' safer sex communication, and BSMMs' safer sex communication was positively associated with friends' safer sex communication. Moreover, contrary to prior research, BSSM's safer sex communication and condom use were not related to one another, suggesting that talking about safer sex on social media should not be interpreted to be an indication of engageDment in safer sex behavior. These findings underscore an opportunity to leverage peer influence in social media networks, particularly in the form of masspersonal communication, to encourage cascades of safer sex messaging among peers and adoption of safer sex behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay E Young
- University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Campbell CK. The Ongoing Process of HIV-Stigma (Re)Production. SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES : SP : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE PACIFIC SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 2023; 66:355-374. [PMID: 38516303 PMCID: PMC10956429 DOI: 10.1177/07311214221117294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
HIV stigma negatively affects the social experiences of people living with HIV (PLWH) and remains a challenge to HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Research has overwhelmingly focused on individual cognitive measures of HIV stigma (e.g., internalized, anticipated, and experienced). However, little research explores the interactions and societal structures through which HIV stigma is produced. Data from qualitative interviews with 30 black gay and bisexual men living with HIV in the U.S. Deep South revealed an interconnected and interdependent set of processes that produce and reproduce HIV stigma. These included social interactions (silence, euphemism, and gossip), witnessed acts of marginalization, word-of-mouth transmission of HIV misinformation, and laws and policies carried out within the education and criminal justice systems. Efforts to reduce stigma that focus on individual beliefs and attitudes are critical to improving the well-being of PLWH. However, reducing HIV stigma requires intervening on the social interactions and structures through which HIV stigma is produced and reproduced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chadwick K. Campbell
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sang JM, Wang L, Moore DM, Barath J, Lal A, Hart TA, Skakoon-Sparling S, Noor SW, Chown S, Lambert G, Cox J, Jollimore J, Parlette A, Apelian H, Grace D, Lachowsky NJ. Examining Associations Between Resilience and PrEP Use Among HIV-negative GBM in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. AIDS Behav 2023. [PMID: 36867322 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04031-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the association between resilience and PrEP use among a population-based sample of Canadian gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM). Sexually active GBM aged ≥ 16 years old were recruited via respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver from 02/2017 to 07/2019. We conducted a pooled cross-sectional analysis of HIV-negative/unknown GBM who met clinical eligibility for PrEP. We performed multivariable RDS-II-weighted logistic regression to assess the association between scores on the Connor-Davidson Resilience-2 Scale and PrEP. Mediation analyses with weighted logistic and linear regression were used to assess whether the relationship between minority stressors and PrEP use was mediated by resilience. Of 1167 PrEP-eligible GBM, 317 (27%) indicated they took PrEP in the past six months. Our multivariable model found higher resilience scores were associated with greater odds of PrEP use in the past six months (aOR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.00, 1.28). We found that resilience reduced the effect of the association between heterosexist discrimination and PrEP use. Resilience also mediated the relationship between internalized homonegativity and PrEP use and mediated the effect of the association between LGBI acceptance concern and PrEP use. Overall, PrEP-eligible GBM with higher resilience scores had a greater odds of PrEP use in the past six months. We also found mixed results for the mediating role of resilience between minority stress and PrEP use. These findings underline the continued importance of strength-based factors in HIV prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Sang
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Lu Wang
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Justin Barath
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Allan Lal
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Trevor A Hart
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Syed W Noor
- School of Human Sciences, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Sarah Chown
- Engage Community-Advisory Committee, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Direction régionale de santé publique -Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de- Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Direction régionale de santé publique -Montréal, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Ile-de- Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Nathan J Lachowsky
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Community-Based Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Suen YT, Chan RCH, Wong EMY. Sex Conservatism, Internalized Homonegativity, PrEP Stigma, and Intention to Use PrEP: A Study of Chinese-Speaking Gay and Bisexual Male Youth in Hong Kong. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2022; 34:467-480. [PMID: 36454136 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.6.467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) stigma has been found to be a major barrier to PrEP acceptability and uptake. Research has found that different ethnic/cultural groups display varying levels of PrEP stigma. This article studies sex conservatism and internalized homonegativity as two sexuality- and culture-related aspects that influence PrEP stigma and intention to use PrEP. An online survey of 279 young gay and bisexual men in Hong Kong found that internalized homonegativity was positively associated with PrEP stigma. Respondents who were more conservative about sex showed lower intention to use PrEP, whereas those who had higher income and more positive attitudes about PrEP were more likely to express intention to use PrEP. This study provides novel empirical evidence for understanding PrEP stigma and uptake from a sexuality and cultural perspective. The influence of sexuality- and culture-related factors on PrEP stigma and uptake warrants greater attention, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiu Tung Suen
- Gender Studies Programme, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Randolph C H Chan
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - Eliz Miu Yin Wong
- Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schuyler A, Alidina Z, Dolcini MM, Harper G, Fortenberry JD, Singh R, Jamil O, Pollack L, Catania J. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Dissemination: Adapting Diffusion Theory to Examine PrEP Adoption. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:3145-3158. [PMID: 34152531 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03345-2] [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: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PrEP adoption among African-American men-who-have-sex-with-men (AAMSM) remains low. We applied Diffusion-of-Innovations (DOI) theory to understand PrEP adoption processes among young HIV-negative/status unknown AAMSM (AAYMSM; N = 181; 17-24 years). Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to examine predictors of PrEP diffusion stages. Most AAYMSM were in the persuasion stage (PrEP-aware, hadn't adopted; 72.4%). Our results suggest that model antecedents are DOI stage-specific. PrEP awareness (knowledge stage) was associated with lower levels of social stigma (p < .03) and greater health literacy (p < .05), while sexual risk (p < .03) and education (p < .03) predicted PrEP adoption (12.2%). PrEP efficacy and side effects were primary innovation characteristics influencing adoption receptivity in the persuasion stage. Interventions to improve PrEP diffusion should be tailored to stage-specific antecedents depending on how a community is stratified across the DOI stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Schuyler
- School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Hallie E Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 410 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Zainab Alidina
- School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Hallie E Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 410 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - M Margaret Dolcini
- School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Hallie E Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 410 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Gary Harper
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Ryan Singh
- Oregon Social Learning Center, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Omar Jamil
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lance Pollack
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Catania
- School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, Hallie E Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, 410 Waldo Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Catania JA, Dolcini MM, Harper G, Fortenberry D, Singh RR, Jamil O, Young AW, Pollack L, Orellana ER. Oral HIV Self-Implemented Testing: Performance Fidelity Among African American MSM. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:395-403. [PMID: 31732830 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02711-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Oral-Self Implemented HIV Testing (Oral-SIT) offers a low-cost way to extend the reach of HIV testing systems. It is unclear, however, if high risk populations are able to perform the test with high fidelity. Using a simulation-based research design, we administered desensitized Oral-SIT kits to African American MSM (AAMSM; 17-24 years, N = 178). Participants were HIV negative or never tested, and had never self-administered an Oral-SIT kit. We assessed performance fidelity, and hypothesized antecedents. High levels of social stigma were associated with lower levels of training knowledge (Range = No Errors: 51.9%, 4 Errors: 0.6%) and performance fidelity (Range = No Errors: 39.9%, 3 Errors: 1.7%). Training knowledge and prior testing history were positively associated with performance fidelity. The present work extends research on HIV-related social stigma and suggests that social stigma inhibits knowledge acquisition and task performance. The Oral-SIT training materials were understood by individuals with a wide-range of educational backgrounds. Interventions are needed, however, to further improve Oral-SIT performance fidelity.
Collapse
|
8
|
Rosengren AL, Menza TW, LeGrand S, Muessig KE, Bauermeister JA, Hightow-Weidman LB. Stigma and Mobile App Use Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2019; 31:523-537. [PMID: 31815533 PMCID: PMC6938279 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2019.31.6.523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. Intersectional stigmas are associated with increased HIV vulnerability, and worse outcomes for YBMSM with HIV. YBMSM find sex partners through sexual networking apps, but stigma on apps has been poorly studied. We conducted cross-sectional analysis of 324 YBMSM seeking sex partners through apps to assess stigma experiences in eight dimensions compared to non-users (N = 150). We conducted detailed stratified analyses to identify granular stigma data. App users had higher median scores than non-users in perceived HIV discrimination, perceived HIV stigma, experienced sexual minority stigma, racial discrimination, and perceived homophobia. We demonstrate higher levels of intersectional stigmas among app users than non-users, but did not find an overall increase in stigma with increasing app use. Considering the prominent role of apps in YBMSM sexual networking, interventions that reduce stigma on apps are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Lina Rosengren
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Kathryn E Muessig
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Friedman MR, Sang JM, Bukowski LA, Chandler CJ, Egan JE, Eaton LA, Matthews DD, Ho K, Raymond HF, Stall R. Prevalence and Correlates of PrEP Awareness and Use Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women (MSMW) in the United States. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:2694-2705. [PMID: 30820849 PMCID: PMC6713621 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02446-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Men who have sex with men and women (MSMW), including those who are Black, experience HIV-related disparities compared to men who have sex with men only (MSMO). Few studies have assessed the prevalence and correlates of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and use among Black MSMW. We recruited MSM ≥ 18 attending Black Gay Pride events between 2014-2017. We conducted multivariable logistic regressions to assess differences in PrEP awareness and use among HIV-negative Black MSM (n = 2398) and within Black MSMW (n = 419). MSMW were less likely than MSMO to report PrEP awareness (p < 0.001). Among PrEP-aware MSM, MSMW were more likely than MSMO to report PrEP use (p < 0.05). MSMW receiving gay community support were more likely to be PrEP-aware (p < 0.01). MSMW reporting any past-year STI diagnoses were more likely to report PrEP use (p < 0.01). Findings suggest that PrEP awareness campaigns tailored for Black MSMW, concomitant with STI-to-PrEP interventions, will facilitate greater PrEP uptake in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Reuel Friedman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, PO Box 7319, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Jordan M Sang
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leigh A Bukowski
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Cristian J Chandler
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - James E Egan
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Derrick D Matthews
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ken Ho
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Henry F Raymond
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ron Stall
- Center for LGBT Health Research, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abuelezam NN, Reshef YA, Novak D, Grad YH, Seage Iii GR, Mayer K, Lipsitch M. Interaction Patterns of Men Who Have Sex With Men on a Geosocial Networking Mobile App in Seven United States Metropolitan Areas: Observational Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e13766. [PMID: 31516124 PMCID: PMC6746104 DOI: 10.2196/13766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The structure of the sexual networks and partnership characteristics of young black men who have sex with men (MSM) may be contributing to their high risk of contracting HIV in the United States. Assortative mixing, which refers to the tendency of individuals to have partners from one's own group, has been proposed as a potential explanation for disparities. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify the age- and race-related search patterns of users of a diverse geosocial networking mobile app in seven metropolitan areas in the United States to understand the disparities in sexually transmitted infection and HIV risk in MSM communities. METHODS Data were collected on user behavior between November 2015 and May 2016. Data pertaining to behavior on the app were collected for men who had searched for partners with at least one search parameter narrowed from defaults or used the app to send at least one private chat message and used the app at least once during the study period. Newman assortativity coefficient (R) was calculated from the study data to understand assortativity patterns of men by race. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess assortativity patterns by age. Heat maps were used to visualize the relationship between searcher's and candidate's characteristics by age band, race, or age band and race. RESULTS From November 2015 through May 2016, there were 2,989,737 searches in all seven metropolitan areas among 122,417 searchers. Assortativity by age was important for looking at the profiles of candidates with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.284 (Birmingham) to 0.523 (San Francisco). Men tended to look at the profiles of candidates that matched their race in a highly assortative manner with R ranging from 0.310 (Birmingham) to 0.566 (Los Angeles). For the initiation of chats, race appeared to be slightly assortative for some groups with R ranging from 0.023 (Birmingham) to 0.305 (Los Angeles). Asian searchers were most assortative in initiating chats with Asian candidates in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. In Birmingham and Tampa, searchers from all races tended to initiate chats with black candidates. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the age preferences of MSM are relatively consistent across cities, that is, younger MSM are more likely to be chatted with and have their profiles viewed compared with older MSM, but the patterns of racial mixing are more variable. Although some generalizations can be made regarding Web-based behaviors across all cities, city-specific usage patterns and trends should be analyzed to create targeted and localized interventions that may make the most difference in the lives of MSM in these areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia N Abuelezam
- William F Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, United States
| | - Yakir A Reshef
- Department of Computer Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - David Novak
- DSN Consulting, LLC, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yonatan Hagai Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Infectious Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - George R Seage Iii
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Marc Lipsitch
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
|