High Rates of PrEP Eligibility but Low Rates of PrEP Access Among a National Sample of Transmasculine Individuals

Abstract

Transmasculine individuals have been largely ignored in HIV prevention research, and there is a lack of data regarding this population's eligibility for and utilization of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). National online survey conducted in the United States. Between May and July 2017, we surveyed 1808 transmasculine individuals (aged 18-60 years; 30% people of color and/or Latinx), asking questions about sexual behavior and receipt of sexual health care, including PrEP. We examined the number of individuals who would meet eligibility criteria for PrEP and then used log-linked Poisson regression with robust variance estimation to examine predictors of PrEP eligibility. Almost one-quarter of the sample (n = 439; 24.3%) met one or more criterion for PrEP eligibility. PrEP eligibility did not differ by age, race/ethnicity, education, or binary gender identity. PrEP eligibility was lower among heterosexual-identified and higher income participants, and was higher among participants who were in open relationships and reported substance use. Among PrEP-eligible individuals, 64.9% had received an HIV test in the past year, 33.9% had received PrEP information from a provider, and 10.9% (n = 48) had received a PrEP prescription. PrEP-eligible individuals who had received a PrEP prescription were more likely to have a binary gender identity, identify as gay, and be taking testosterone. A substantial proportion of transmasculine individuals meet PrEP eligibility criteria, but few are receiving adequate PrEP services. Enhanced efforts should be made by providers, programs, and systems to assess HIV-related risk in transmasculine patients and engage them in comprehensive sexual health care.