Knowledge, Attitudes, and Utilization of HIV PrEP among Black College Students in the United States: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Considering the diverse socio-cultural norms, sexual attitudes, and mental and emotional immaturity that generally exist among young adults, Black college students are behaviorally vulnerable to acquiring new HIV infections before requisite exposure to HIV prevention education. Black college students (aged 18 to 34) fall within the description of one of the highest priority populations at risk for new HIV infection given the overall under-utilization and racial disparities in the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) coverage among Black people in the United States (U.S). Yet, research addressing sexuality and HIV PrEP amongst Black college students are limited. This systematic review undertakes a comprehensive exploratory search of eight databases and includes four studies that have been conducted regarding Black college students HIV PrEP knowledge, attitudes and PrEP utilization in the U.S. Our findings suggest a high rate of sexual activity and hesitancy to initiate PrEP due to fear, exacerbated by low comprehensive knowledge of PrEP, low self-perceived HIV risk, and low HIV testing before any PrEP educational intervention. Positive PrEP utilization was closely associated with high self-perceived HIV risk following PrEP education, particularly when individual and structural factors were satisfactorily addressed. Current evidence suggests that PrEP is grossly under-utilized by Black college students who may benefit from it, and attitudes are driven by multiple determinants informed by psycho-social and structural barriers to PrEP access or acceptability in the U.S. Therefore, PrEP education is a potent tool for improving sexual health behaviour and attitude among Black college students.