Health Care Discrimination, Sex Behavior Disclosure, and Awareness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men

Inequitable access to PrEP among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Canada: A network analysis of social indicators

This paper examines demographic, structural, and syndemic variables to map facilitators and barriers to accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in the three largest cities in Canada, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Focusing on factors in the later stages of the PrEP cascade, this study first performed a logistic regression analysis and reports adjusted odds ratios, then entered statistically significant social indicators into a network analysis to profile the interrelated and sometimes mutually reinforcing social conditions that shape inequitable access to PrEP among Canadian GBM. Barriers to accessing a gay-friendly health care provider (HCP) and financial barriers remain primary nodes associated with inequitable PrEP access. These two nodes are, in turn, linked to other social indicators: experiencing stigma from an HCP, being less likely to be out to an HCP (most common among bisexual and queer men), and not being able to find an HCP accepting of their sexuality (most common among Indigenous, Black, and some other GBM of colour). The cost of PrEP was also a barrier, especially for less educated and un- or under-employed GBM, as well as newcomers to Canada, who more often lacked insurance for medications. These findings point toward the importance of having a primary HCP and finding an HCP who is culturally competent regarding the sexualities of gay and bisexual men, queer and trans people. These barriers may also explain other social inequities experienced by Black, Indigenous, and other GBM of colour, and by people who do not have health insurance that covers all or most of the cost of PrEP. This pattern of inequitable access to PrEP points toward the urgency of providing universal access without financial barriers (currently available in some Canadian provinces but not others) and supporting access points with a reputation for welcoming GBM in their full diversity.

Comparing PrEP use among men who have sex with men with a recent incarceration history

This study compares pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among men who have sex with men (MSM) with a recent history of incarceration across various factors known to contribute to HIV transmission risk, including sexual identity, race/ethnicity, sexual activity, incarceration history, injection drug use, and internalized homophobia. We analyzed baseline lifetime PrEP use (yes or no) of 170 male-identifying participants enrolled in a randomized-controlled trial in Los Angeles County between 2019 and 2022. Using logistic regression, we assessed the association of PrEP with sexual identity, socio-demographics, and potential confounders. Compared to gay/same-gender loving-identified participants, straight/heterosexual-identified (aOR = 0.10, CI = 0.02-0.49) and bi-pansexual-identified (0.39, 0.16-0.95) participants had reduced odds of PrEP use. Black/African American-identified participants had lower odds (0.15, 0.03-0.78) of PrEP use than White-identified participants. Participants reporting 3+ years cumulative lifetime incarceration had lower odds (0.28, 0.09-0.87) of PrEP use than participants reporting <6 months. Controlling for internalized homophobia rendered differences among sexual identity groups non-significant. A similar effect was not observed for race/ethnicity and lifetime incarceration. Internalized homophobia was an important driver of PrEP use differences among MSM along the lines of sexual identity but not along the lines of race/ethnicity or cumulative incarceration.

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

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.

Factors Associated with PrEP Stigma Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men (gbMSM): A Systematic Review

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV. While pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition, uptake of PrEP among gbMSM is low, which may in part be due to stigma associated with PrEP use. This systematic review aimed to explore experiences of PrEP stigma and to identify factors associated with this. Four databases were searched for papers including terms relating to (i) gbMSM, (ii) PrEP, and (iii) stigma, with narrative synthesis used to analyze results. After screening, 70 studies were included in the final analysis. Experiences of PrEP stigma were found to be characterized by a number of stereotypes and came from a range of sources. Five categories of factors were associated with stigma: (i) healthcare-related factors, (ii) cultural and contextual factors, (iii) sociodemographic factors, (iv) peer-discussion, and (v) psychosocial factors. These findings suggest that stigma can be a common experience for gbMSM. However, some are more at risk than others. Interventions aimed at reducing PrEP stigma may be useful in increasing uptake.

Viral hepatitis knowledge and vaccination awareness among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 43 countries of the WHO European Region: results from the European MSM Internet Survey, EMIS-2017

BackgroundRecent hepatitis A virus outbreaks in Europe affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) and ongoing hepatitis B virus transmission among MSM underscore the ongoing need for viral hepatitis prevention in this population.AimTo describe viral hepatitis knowledge and associated factors among MSM in the WHO European Region to inform targeted prevention.MethodsIn the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS-2017), basic knowledge was defined as correctly identifying at least 4 of 5 statements about viral hepatitis and vaccination. We described basic knowledge by country. In a multilevel logistic regression model, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for having basic knowledge and explanatory variables: sociodemographic characteristics, history of hepatitis C and/or HIV diagnosis, sexual orientation disclosure at last sexually transmitted infections (STI) test and outness.ResultsOf 113,884 participants across 43 WHO European Region countries, 68% demonstrated basic knowledge, ranging from 50% in Israel to 80% in the Netherlands. Basic knowledge was significantly associated with older age (≥ 40 years vs < 25 years, aOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 2.7-3.0), a history of hepatitis C and/or HIV diagnosis (aOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.7-1.9) and sexual orientation disclosure at last STI test (aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2-1.3), among other factors.ConclusionsWe found a knowledge disparity regarding viral hepatitis and hepatitis vaccination awareness among MSM across Europe, highlighting a need to address these gaps. A non-judgemental, accepting climate that allows individuals attending medical services to safely disclose their sexual orientation is fundamental to enable healthcare professionals to target information and preventative measures more effectively.

"That's My Girl; I love her": The Promise of Compassionate, Inclusive Healthcare for Black Transgender Women to Support PrEP Use

There are significant disparities in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use that disproportionately impact Black transgender women. Medical mistrust and discriminatory experiences in healthcare settings have been identified as critical barriers to equitable PrEP implementation. This qualitative study examines Black transgender women's experiences in healthcare to better understand how patient-provider relationships can help overcome the challenges brought on by medical mistrust. We interviewed 42 Black transgender women about their experiences with healthcare and PrEP access. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic content analysis to develop the following themes: (1) historical and ongoing marginalization and exclusion from healthcare remains a barrier to PrEP use; (2) Many providers continue to be unprepared to prescribe PrEP; (3) Providers can act as important advocates and sources of support; and (4) Compassionate, trusting patient-provider relationships can facilitate PrEP use. Our results highlight the importance of supportive and positive patient-provider relationships and demonstrate how providers can build trusting relationships with Black transgender women to help overcome barriers to healthcare and PrEP use.

Assessing Structural Racism and Discrimination Along the Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Continuum: A Systematic Review

Structural racism and discrimination (SRD) is deeply embedded across U.S. healthcare institutions, but its impact on health outcomes is challenging to assess. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to understand the impact of SRD on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care continuum outcomes across U.S. populations who could benefit from HIV prevention. Guided by PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of the published literature up to September 2023 using PubMed and PsycInfo and included peer-reviewed articles meeting inclusion criteria. At least two authors independently screened studies, performed quality assessments, and abstracted data relevant to the topic. Exposure variables included race/ethnicity and any level of SRD (interpersonal, intra- and extra-organizational SRD). Outcomes consisted of any steps of the PrEP care continuum. A total of 66 studies met inclusion criteria and demonstrated the negative impact of SRD on the PrEP care continuum. At the interpersonal level, medical mistrust (i.e., lack of trust in medical organizations and professionals rooted from current or historical practices of discrimination) was negatively associated with almost all the steps across the PrEP care continuum: individuals with medical mistrust were less likely to have PrEP knowledge, adhere to PrEP care, and be retained in care. At the intra-organizational level, PrEP prescription was lower for Black patients due to healthcare provider perception of higher sex-risk behaviors. At the extra-organizational level, factors such as homelessness, low socioeconomic status, and incarceration were associated with decreased PrEP uptake. On the other hand, healthcare provider trust, higher patient education, and access to health insurance were associated with increased PrEP use and retention in care. In addition, analyses using race/ethnicity as an exposure did not consistently show associations with PrEP continuum outcomes. We found that SRD has a negative impact at all steps of the PrEP care continuum. Our results suggest that when assessing the effects of race/ethnicity without the context of SRD, certain relationships and associations are missed. Addressing multi-level barriers related to SRD are needed to reduce HIV transmission and promote health equity.

Perceptions of bias in HIV prevention services, happiness with social support, and anticipated PrEP stigma among Black and Latine/x sexual and gender diverse individuals

Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective preventive treatment for HIV, anticipated PrEP stigma can hinder uptake. Perceptions of bias in HIV prevention and evaluations (e.g., happiness) tied to social support among Black and Latine/x sexual and gender diverse (SGD) individuals could be important correlates of anticipated PrEP stigma. To further this line of inquiry, a national sample of 872 Black and Latine/x SGD individuals who had and had never taken PrEP (Mage = 25.1, SD = 2.8) reported how they perceived HIV prevention and how happy they were with their social support. Multivariable linear regressions revealed that greater perceptions of bias in HIV prevention services were associated with higher anticipated PrEP stigma among Black and Latine/x SGD individuals who have never taken PrEP. Greater happiness with friend support was associated with lower PrEP stigma, whereas greater happiness with family support was associated with higher PrEP stigma among individuals who have taken PrEP. Findings highlight the need for PrEP and HIV interventions to address the intersectional stigma attached to prevention and for researchers to understand how evaluations of social support may contribute to stigma among Black and Latine/x SGD individuals.

Location Preferences for Accessing Long-Acting Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (LA-PrEP) Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) Currently on Daily Oral PrEP

We investigated men who have sex with men's (MSM) location preferences for long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LA-PrEP). MSM (n = 1076) who completed the 2021 American Men's Internet Survey, were currently prescribed oral PrEP, and expressed LA-PrEP interest reported location preferences for receiving LA-PrEP: healthcare provider (HCP) setting, pharmacy, or at-home. HCP settings were preferred by 60% of participants; 26% preferred home and 14% preferred pharmacy. In adjusted models, high healthcare stigma was associated with preferring pharmacy and at-home versus HCP, while high friends/family stigma was associated with preferring HCP settings versus pharmacy. Healthcare access history was associated with preference for HCP setting versus home. Being 25 to 29 or 30 to 29 years old versus 40+ was associated with preferring HCP versus home. Private insurance was associated with location preferences. Findings support the need for multiple LA-PrEP service locations to best reach MSM and highlight multiple complex factors that influence such preferences.

Predicting salivary cortisol and sexual behavior stigma among MSM in the American Men's Internet Survey 2019

Physiological stress levels in response to sexual behavior stigma among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States (US) are understudied. The current study aims to explore the relationship between sexual behavior stigma and salivary cortisol both overall and stratified by race/ethnicity. If such an association exists, it may suggest that sexual behavior stigma can be physiologically measured or indicated by the presence of heightened salivary cortisol. A subsample of 667 MSM participants from the 2019 American Men's Internet Survey (AMIS; N = 10,129) submitted morning (AM) and evening (PM) saliva cortisol samples using at-home mail-in collection kits. Average daily cortisol and daily cortisol change were calculated; simple linear regressions estimated associations between cortisol measures and sexual behavior stigma characterized in four different ways (ever and recent experience of individual stigma items; average ever and recent experience of three stigma scales: stigma from family and friends, anticipated healthcare stigma, general social stigma). Participants reported a mean age of 36.0 years (SD = 14.9), with most being non-Hispanic white (n = 480, 72.0%), Hispanic (n = 164, 12.3%), or Black/African American (n = 146, 10.9%), and identified as homosexual/gay (n = 562, 84.3%). Reporting ever experiencing healthcare providers gossiping was significantly associated with higher PM cortisol (β = 0.12, p = 0.001) and higher average daily cortisol (β = 0.11, p = 0.004), while reporting ever experiencing police refusing to protect was associated with higher AM cortisol (β = 0.08, p = 0.03) and higher average daily cortisol (β = 0.09, p = 0.02). Recent experiences of stigma were not significant predictors of any measure of cortisol. Measures of salivary cortisol may be used to characterize sexual behavior stigma among MSM populations, however more insight is needed to determine its exact relationship and strength.

Everyday Discrimination and HIV Testing Among Partnered Latino/x Sexual Minority Men in the United States: A Stratified Analysis by Birth Location

We examined the association between everyday discrimination and HIV testing patterns-current (≤ 6 months), recent (7-12 months), and delayed (> 12 months or never tested)-among partnered Latino/x sexual minority men (SMM). Multinomial regression analyses revealed that in the full sample (N = 484) experiencing discrimination based on sexual orientation and race/ethnicity attributions concurrently (vs. no discrimination) was associated with higher odds of delayed (vs. current) HIV testing (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI [1.0, 6.7]). Similarly, in the subset of Latino/x SMM born outside the mainland U.S. (n = 209), experiencing concurrent sexual orientation- and race/ethnicity-based discrimination (vs. no discrimination) was associated with higher odds of recent (AOR = 12.4, 95% CI [1.3, 115.7]) and delayed HIV testing (AOR = 7.3, 95% CI [1.6, 33.0]), compared with current testing. Findings suggest that addressing discrimination may improve HIV testing uptake among partnered Latino/x SMM, particularly those born outside the U.S.

Intersecting Sexual Behavior and Gender Identity Stigmas Among Transgender Women in the United States: Burden and Associations with Sexual Health

In the United States, a context of multiple marginalization shapes sexual health disparities experienced by transgender women. Using data from 396 transgender women with negative or unknown HIV status, we performed exploratory factor analysis on responses to gender identity and sexual behavior stigma items and regressed sexual health outcomes on extracted factors via modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. Overall, 97.2% of participants endorsed ≥ 1 gender identity stigma; 67.2% endorsed ≥ 1 sexual behavior stigma; and 66.9% endorsed ≥ 1 of each. Extracted factors included gender-identity social stigma, reflecting experiences related to family, fearfulness in public, and verbal harassment (α = 0.68); gender-identity institutional stigma/violence, reflecting experiences related to healthcare, police interactions, and interpersonal violence (α = 0.73); and global sexual behavior stigma, reflecting experiences related to family, friends, and healthcare, as well as police interactions, fearfulness in public, verbal harassment, and interpersonal violence (α = 0.83). Gender-identity social stigma was significantly, positively associated with testing for HIV and testing for sexually transmitted infections. Gender-identity institutional stigma/violence and global sexual behavior stigma were both significantly, positively associated with condomless anal sex, sex work, testing for HIV, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Stigma-mitigation remains critical to improve quality of life and sexual health for transgender women in the United States.

HIV-Related Stigma Research as a Priority at the National Institutes of Health

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes that, despite HIV scientific advances, stigma and discrimination continue to be critical barriers to the uptake of evidence-based HIV interventions. Achieving the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) goals will require eliminating HIV-related stigma. NIH has a significant history of supporting HIV stigma research across its Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) as a research priority. This article provides an overview of NIH HIV stigma research efforts. Each ICO articulates how their mission shapes their interest in HIV stigma research and provides a summary of ICO-relevant scientific findings. Research gaps and/or future opportunities are identified throughout, with key research themes and approaches noted. Taken together, the collective actions on the part of the NIH, in tandem with a whole of government and whole of society approach, will contribute to achieving EHE's milestones.

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

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.

A Scoping Review of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Stigma and Implications for Stigma-Reduction Interventions for Men and Transwomen Who Have Sex with Men

HIV remains a public health concern in the United States. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be expected to reduce HIV incidence, its uptake, adherence, and persistence remain limited, particularly among highest priority groups such as men who have sex with men and transwomen (MSMTW). Using a socioecological framework, we conducted a scoping review to examine PrEP-related stigma to inform future research, policy, and programmatic planning. Using the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, we conducted database searches from August 2018 to April 2020 for articles addressing PrEP stigma. Studies were independently screened and coded by three authors, resulting in thematic categorization of several types of PrEP stigma on four socioecological levels. Of 557 references, a final sample of 23 studies was coded, 61% qualitative, and 87% focusing exclusively on MSMTW. Most instances of PrEP-related stigma occurred on the interpersonal level and included associations of PrEP with risk promotion, HIV-related stigma, and promiscuity. Other frequent themes across socioecological levels included provider distrust and discrimination, government and pharmaceutical industry distrust, internalized homonegativity, PrEP efficacy distrust, and anticipated homonegativity. Notably, PrEP was also framed positively as having physical and psychological benefits, and assuming responsibility for protecting one's community via PrEP awareness-raising. PrEP-related stigma persists, demanding interventions to modify its impact. Leveraging PrEP-positive discourses to challenge PrEP stigma is an emerging avenue, alongside efforts to increase provider willingness to promote PrEP routinely by reducing provider bias, aligning with the national strategy to End the HIV Epidemic.

Sexuality Disclosure in U.S. Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Impact on Healthcare-Related Stigmas and HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Denial

INTRODUCTION

Stigma impairs access to health care by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who are open about their sexuality, or out, are more resilient to stigma than those who are not out. Outness may influence healthcare utilization and prescription of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis to HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.

METHODS

Analyzing the 2018 American Men's Internet Survey during 2019, the adjusted prevalence ratios of healthcare stigmas and outness to healthcare providers were calculated. The effect of outness on annual healthcare visits and stigma was measured. Pre-exposure prophylaxis seeking and denial by providers was quantified and stratified by outness.

RESULTS

Of 5,794 respondents, 3,402 (58.7%) were out to their provider. Out gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men were less likely to experience anticipated stigma (adjusted prevalence ratio=0.75, 95% CI=0.72, 0.80) but more likely to experience enacted stigma or discrimination (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.23, 95% CI=1.18, 1.28). In a subsample of out gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, recently experienced discrimination was associated with higher healthcare utilization (adjusted prevalence ratio=1.51, 95% CI=1.14, 1.51). Conversely, recent experienced discrimination was associated with lower healthcare utilization in not out gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (adjusted prevalence ratio=0.67, 95% CI=0.54, 0.82). Of 3,104 out gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, 1,417 (45.7%) discussed pre-exposure prophylaxis with their providers, compared with 120 of 1,711 (7.0%) gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who were not out (p<0.001). Pre-exposure prophylaxis denials were less common among out (116/793, 14.6%) than not out (14/55, 25.5%) gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (p=0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare provider-related stigmas impair healthcare engagement among not out gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who were also more commonly denied pre-exposure prophylaxis. Ending the HIV epidemic necessitates creating safe environments for disclosure of sexual preferences and practices to facilitate access to HIV prevention.

Barriers to the Wider Use of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the United States: A Narrative Review

Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV transmission was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2012. Despite correlations of decreases in new HIV infections being greatest where PrEP has been deployed, the uptake of PrEP is lagging, particularly among populations with disproportionate HIV burden. This narrative review seeks to identify individual and systemic barriers to PrEP usage in the USA. A comprehensive search of recent literature uncovered a complex array of structural, social, clinical, and behavioral barriers, including knowledge/awareness of PrEP, perception of HIV risk, stigma from healthcare providers or family/partners/friends, distrust of healthcare providers/systems, access to PrEP, costs of PrEP, and concerns around PrEP side effects/medication interactions. Importantly, these barriers may have different effects on specific populations at risk. The full potential of PrEP for HIV prevention will not be realized until these issues are addressed. Strategies to achieve this goal should include educational interventions, innovative approaches to delivery of HIV care, financial support, and destigmatization of PrEP and PrEP users. Until then, PrEP uptake will continue to be suboptimal, particularly among those who need it most.

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

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.

A Person-Centered Approach to HIV-Related Protective and Risk Factors for Young Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: Implications for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and HIV Treatment as Prevention

Although young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV, they may be more heterogeneous as a group than is typically appreciated. Thus, the present study used a person-centered data-analytic approach to determine profiles of HIV-related risk among YBMSM and whether these profiles could be distinguished by age, HIV status, and socioeconomic risk (i.e., socioeconomic distress). YBMSM (N = 1808) aged 18 to 29 years completed a survey of sociodemographic characteristics, HIV status, and HIV-related behavioral and attitudinal factors (i.e., safer-sex self-efficacy, negative condom attitudes, being in difficult sexual situations, being in difficult sexual relationships, HIV treatment optimism, perceived HIV stigma). Latent profile analysis was used to identify HIV risk profiles and whether age, HIV status, and socioeconomic distress were associated with these profiles. Four profiles emerged: low-, medium-, and high-risk profiles, respectively, and a mixed profile characterized by a tendency to be in difficult sexual situations and relationships while also reporting high safer-sex self-efficacy and low negative attitudes toward condom use. Difficult sexual situations emerged as the key defining indicator of whether a profile reflected higher or lower risk. Younger age, being HIV-positive, and socioeconomic distress were associated with having a higher-risk profile. Given that unique risk profiles emerged that were differentially predicted by sociodemographic characteristics and HIV status, these findings have implications for tailoring interventions to the needs of different subgroups of YBMSM. Also, disempowering or risky sexual situations and relationships among YBMSM must be addressed.

"A Gay Man and a Doctor are Just like, a Recipe for Destruction": How Racism and Homonegativity in Healthcare Settings Influence PrEP Uptake Among Young Black MSM

Young, Black, gay bisexual or other MSM are significantly less likely to use PrEP than their White counterparts. These disparities may be due, in part, to medical mistrust and mistreatment within the healthcare system. This study aimed to uncover how young Black MSM's perceptions of, and experiences with, health care contribute to low engagement in the healthcare system and low PrEP utilization. In late 2017 and early 2018, we conducted six focus groups with 44 Black MSM ages 16-25 in Milwaukee. Focus group topics included participants' knowledge and perceptions of PrEP, perceptions and stereotypes about PrEP users, and general healthcare utilization patterns and behaviors. Focus group transcripts were transcribed verbatim and coded using MAXQDA qualitative analysis software. We used a team-based approach to thematic content analysis to understand how racism and homonegativity affected healthcare access and experiences. Results from this study help to characterize what contributes to mistrust of the healthcare system and healthcare providers to negatively affect PrEP use among young Black MSM. Focus group discussions revealed how previous and anticipated negative interactions with physicians and skepticism about the healthcare system have alienated young Black MSM from the health care system and created significant barriers to PrEP. Efforts to increase PrEP uptake and must address negative and discriminatory interactions with providers and the healthcare system.

Medical Mistrust and PrEP Perceptions Among Transgender Women: A Cluster Analysis

Transgender (trans) women experience unique barriers in accessing preventative health services such as HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). These barriers may be exacerbated by past real or anticipated mistreatment in health care settings, but little is known about the relationship between medical mistrust and poor PrEP uptake and knowledge. Using a multistep approach, this study used a novel survey instrument administered to a pilot sample of 78 trans women. Item responses on a 0-10 scale were subjected to a TwoStep cluster analysis to explore how perceptions of PrEP and experiences with health care vary among trans women. Two distinct clusters (C1,C2) were defined on the basis of race (C1: 82% White, C2: 69% Black) and highest level of education completed (C1: 53% college or above, C2: 42% high school diploma or GED). Analyses suggest that varying levels of medical mistrust exist between clusters. Higher mean scores on medical mistrust items were reported in C1. A similar relationship was found on attitudes toward PrEP. Differences in intention to use PrEP and differences in past PrEP use were not significant; however, C2 members were more likely to have heard of PrEP from a doctor. Results suggest that levels of medical mistrust and PrEP perceptions vary among distinct subpopulations in this community, which may affect willingness to use PrEP. Interventions aimed at addressing unique perceptions in subpopulations could move trans women from intention to PrEP use.