Current Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Users Research Articles

Understanding Preferences for Visualized New and Future HIV Prevention Products Among Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in the Southern United States: A Mixed-Methods Study

ABSTRACT Men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable to HIV infection. Although daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV among MSM, its usage remains low. We conducted virtual in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus groups (FGs) with Black, Hispanic/Latino, and White MSM consisting of current PrEP users and those aware of but not currently using PrEP. We delved into their preferences regarding six emerging PrEP products: a weekly oral pill, event-driven oral pills, anal douche/enema, anal suppository, long-acting injection, and a skin implant. Our mixed methods analysis involved inductive content analysis of transcripts for thematic identification and calculations of preferences. Among the sample (n = 98), the weekly oral pill emerged as the favored option among both PrEP Users and PrEP Aware IDI participants. Ranking exercises during FGs also corroborated this preference, with the weekly oral pill being most preferred. However, PrEP Users in FGs leaned toward the long-acting injectable. Conversely, the anal suppository and douche/enema were the least preferred products. Overall, participants were open to emerging PrEP products and valued flexibility but expressed concerns about limited protection for products designed solely for receptive sex. Public health practitioners should tailor recommendations based on individuals’ current sexual behaviors and long-term vulnerability to infection.

Moderating Effect of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use on the Association Between Sexual Risk Behavior and Perceived Risk of HIV Among Brazilian Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Cross-Sectional Study.

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) with a higher perceived risk of HIV are more aware of and willing to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is an effective HIV prevention strategy, but there is a lack of data on how PrEP use might moderate the relationship between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV. Moreover, most studies measure perceived risk of HIV via a single question. We estimated the moderating effect of PrEP use on the association between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV, measured with the 8-item Perceived Risk of HIV Scale (PRHS), among Brazilian MSM. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was completed by Brazilian Hornet app users aged ≥18 years between February and March 2020. We included data from cisgender men who reported sex with men in the previous 6 months. We evaluated the moderating effect of current PrEP use on the association between sexual risk behavior, measured via the HIV Incidence Risk Index for MSM (HIRI-MSM), and perceived risk of HIV, measured by the PRHS. Higher HIRI-MSM (range 0-45) and PRHS (range 10-40) scores indicate greater sexual behavioral risk and perceived risk of HIV, respectively. Both were standardized to z scores for use in multivariable linear regression models. Among 4344 cisgender MSM, 448 (10.3%) were currently taking PrEP. Current PrEP users had a higher mean HIRI-MSM score (mean 21.0, SD 9.4 vs mean 13.2, SD 8.1; P<.001) and a lower mean PRHS score (mean 24.6, SD 5.1 vs mean 25.9, SD 4.9; P<.001) compared to those not currently taking PrEP. In the multivariable model, greater HIRI-MSM scores significantly predicted increased PRHS scores (β=.26, 95% CI 0.22-0.29; P<.001). PrEP use moderated the association between HIRI-MSM and PRHS score (interaction term β=-.30, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.21; P<.001), such that higher HIRI-MSM score did not predict higher PRHS score among current PrEP users. Our results suggest current PrEP users have confidence in PrEP's effectiveness as an HIV prevention strategy. PrEP's effectiveness, positive psychological impact, and the frequent HIV testing and interaction with health services required of PrEP users may jointly influence the relationship between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV among PrEP users.

Health Information on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis From Search Engines and Twitter: Readability Analysis.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is proven to prevent HIV infection. However, PrEP uptake to date has been limited and inequitable. Analyzing the readability of existing PrEP-related information is important to understand the potential impact of available PrEP information on PrEP uptake and identify opportunities to improve PrEP-related education and communication. We examined the readability of web-based PrEP information identified using search engines and on Twitter. We investigated the readability of web-based PrEP documents, stratified by how the PrEP document was obtained on the web, information source, document format and communication method, PrEP modality, and intended audience. Web-based PrEP information in English was systematically identified using search engines and the Twitter API. We manually verified and categorized results and described the method used to obtain information, information source, document format and communication method, PrEP modality, and intended audience. Documents were converted to plain text for the analysis and readability of the collected documents was assessed using 4 readability indices. We conducted pairwise comparisons of readability based on how the PrEP document was obtained on the web, information source, document format, communication method, PrEP modality, and intended audience, then adjusted for multiple comparisons. A total of 463 documents were identified. Overall, the readability of web-based PrEP information was at a higher level (10.2-grade reading level) than what is recommended for health information provided to the general public (ninth-grade reading level, as suggested by the Department of Health and Human Services). Brochures (n=33, 7% of all identified resources) were the only type of PrEP materials that achieved the target of ninth-grade reading level. Web-based PrEP information is often written at a complex level for potential and current PrEP users to understand. This may hinder PrEP uptake for some people who would benefit from it. The readability of PrEP-related information found on the web should be improved to align more closely with health communication guidelines for reading level to improve access to this important health information, facilitate informed decisions by those with a need for PrEP, and realize national prevention goals for PrEP uptake and reducing new HIV infections in the United States.

Changes in Cost and Insurance Challenges to Cover PrEP Between 2019 and 2021.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) use continues lag estimated need among gay and bisexual men in the United States. Studies report that challenges paying for PrEP may undermine continued use. Our study aimed to measure these challenges over time. Data were taken from a US national cohort study of cisgender gay and bisexual men and transgender individuals aged 16-49 years. We analyzed data from PrEP-using participants between 2019 and 2021 and observed cost-related and insurance-related challenges participants experienced while on PrEP across time points. We report McNemar and Cochrane Q test statistics to compare differences between groups by year(s). In 2019, 16.5% (n = 828/5013) of participants were on PrEP; by 2020, 21% (n = 995/4727) were on PrEP, and by 2021, 24.5% (n = 1133/4617) were on PrEP. The proportion of those experiencing challenges paying for PrEP care decreased significantly across time points for clinical appointments, laboratory work, and prescriptions. Those experiencing insurance and copay approval issues did not change significantly. Although not statistically significant, the only proportion that increased over time was those reporting PrEP-related insurance approval issues. In a post hoc analysis, we found that those reporting PrEP use in the past year who were not currently on PrEP were significantly more likely to report experiencing most PrEP challenges, when compared with current PrEP users. We found significant reductions in insurance and cost-related challenges between 2019 and 2021. However, those who discontinued PrEP within the past year reported greater challenges paying for PrEP, suggesting that cost and insurance issues may undermine PrEP persistence.

Multifaceted Barriers to Rapid Roll-out of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in China: A Qualitative Study Among Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a safe and effective antiretroviral medicine-based prevention against HIV has not been widely adopted by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. A deeper understanding of barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake is needed to inform the development of effective interventions. During July-August 2020, we conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 31 Chinese MSM with varied PrEP use experiences (PrEP-naïve, former, and current PrEP users). Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed in Chinese. Informed by the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model (IMB), we analyzed the data using a thematic analysis approach to identify the barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake among Chinese MSM. Major barriers to PrEP uptake among MSM in the sample included uncertainty about PrEP efficacy and lack of PrEP education (information), concerns over potential side effects and cost (motivation), and difficulties in identifying authentic PrEP medications and managing PrEP care (behavioral skills). Facilitators include the perceived benefit of PrEP in improving the quality of sex life and control over health. At the contextual level, we also identified barriers to PrEP access from a thriving informal PrEP market and stressors related to being MSM. Our findings identified a need to invest in non-discriminatory public health messaging of PrEP, explore options for MSM-friendly provision of PrEP outside of traditional HIV care settings, and be attentive to the unique context of an established informal PrEP market in future PrEP initiatives.

Preexposure Prophylaxis in Latin America and the Caribbean-The Barbados Experience.

This study explored oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness, and sexual behavior of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Barbados. Factors associated with PrEP use were examined using Pearson chi-square and logistic regression. Of the 171 male participants who completed the survey, 22% were under 25 years old, 70% identified as gay/homosexual, and 59% were single. PrEP awareness was 77%, and of these 29% were current PrEP users. Users were more likely to have stable living arrangements (p &lt; .05) and to identify as gay/homosexual (p=.03). Uptake by current PrEP users was attributed to non-judgmental and confidential PrEP services. Barriers identified by former PrEP users included cost and risks of STIs. Since the PrEP program is free, as is general health care for STIs, this suggests that there may be a knowledge gap. Further studies are needed to explore perceived barriers to the program.

The Relationship Between HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Stigma and Treatment Adherence Among Current HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Users in the Southeastern U.S.

Despite efficacy in HIV prevention, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is underutilized in the US, especially among populations at highest risk. PrEP-related stigma may play a role. We developed measures of PrEP-related stigma dimensions and PrEP adherence. We administered them to current PrEP users. We hypothesized that PrEP-related stigma would negatively impact PrEP adherence. Questionnaire measures were developed using data from previous qualitative work and existing validated HIV-related stigma measures. The resultant survey was administered to current PrEP users from two Birmingham, Alabama PrEP clinics. Plasma tenofovir disoproxil fumarate levels were collected to measure PrEP adherence. Exploratory factor analyses were performed to determine the factor structure of each PrEP-related stigma dimension (internalized, perceived, experienced, anticipated, disclosure concerns). Separate binary logistic (or linear) regressions were performed to assess associations between PrEP-related stigma dimensions and adherence (treatment adherence self-efficacy, self-reported adherence, and plasma tenofovir levels), adjusting for education, race, and time on PrEP. In 2018, 100 participants completed the survey, with 91 identifying as male and 66 as white. Only internalized stigma was associated with lower self-reported PrEP adherence. Exploratory mediation analyses suggested that the association between all stigma dimensions and self-reported PrEP adherence is mediated by PrEP adherence self-efficacy. No associations were found between any PrEP-related stigma measures and plasma tenofovir levels. Internalized PrEP stigma may reduce PrEP adherence, possibly by reducing PrEP adherence self-efficacy among experienced PrEP users. Further investigation of how stigma dimensions affect PrEP adherence in populations at risk for HIV may shed light on drivers of PrEP underutilization.

Knowledge and attitudes about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis: Evidence from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with policy makers, healthcare providers, and end-users in Lesotho.

Studies on knowledge and attitudes about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have mostly focused on key populations in North America and Europe. To inform Lesotho's national rollout of PrEP to the general population, this study aimed to characterize knowledge and attitudes about PrEP among policy makers, implementing partners, healthcare providers, and PrEP end-users in Lesotho. Respondents were purposively selected to participate based on personal experience in the development and implementation of Lesotho's PrEP program, or the personal use of PrEP. We conducted 106 in-depth interviews with policy makers (n = 5), implementing partners (n = 4), and end-users (current PrEP users = 55; former PrEP users = 36; and PrEP "decliners" = 6). In addition, we held 11 focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 105 healthcare providers. Interview and FGD transcripts were analyzed following the tenets of Grounded Theory. Respondents expressed positive attitudes toward PrEP, owing to experienced and perceived personal, familial, and societal benefits. PrEP was viewed as i) an opportunity for serodiscordant couples to remain together, ii) a means of conceiving children with minimized risk of HIV infection, iii) providing a sense of agency and control, and iv) an avenue for addressing the HIV epidemic in Lesotho. Respondents demonstrated understanding of PrEP's intended use, eligibility requirements, and modality of use. However, respondents also reported that several important misconceptions of PrEP were common among adults in Lesotho, including a belief that PrEP protects against sexually transmitted infections other than HIV, promotes promiscuity, prevents pregnancy, causes seroconversion, and provides lifelong protection from taking the pill just once. In addition to building on the perceived advantages of PrEP to shape a positive message, Lesotho's national rollout of PrEP will likely benefit from a communication strategy that specifically addresses the common misconceptions of PrEP identified in this study.

Intersectional Discrimination and PrEP uSe Among Young Black Sexual Minority Individuals: The Importance of Black LGBTQ Communities and Social Support.

Intersectional stigma and discrimination have increasingly been recognized as impediments to the health and well-being of young Black sexual minority men (YBSMM) and transgender women (TW). However, little research has examined the relationship between intersectional discrimination and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) outcomes. This study with 283 YBSMM and TW examines the relationship between intersectional discrimination and current PrEP use and likelihood of future PrEP use. Path models were used to test associations between intersectional discrimination, resilience and social support, and PrEP use and intentions. Individuals with higher levels of anticipated discrimination were less likely to be current PrEP users (OR = 0.59, p = .013), and higher levels of daily discrimination were associated with increased likelihood of using PrEP in the future (B = 0.48 (0.16), p = .002). Greater discrimination was associated with higher levels of resilience, social support, and connection to the Black LGBTQ community. Social support mediated the effect of day-to-day discrimination on likelihood of future PrEP use. Additionally, there was a significant and negative indirect effect of PrEP social concerns on current PrEP use via Black LGBTQ community connectedness. The results of this study highlight the complexity of the relationships between discrimination, resilience, and health outcomes.

HIV, STI and renal function testing frequency and STI history among current users of self-funded HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, a cross-sectional study, Germany, 2018 and 2019.

IntroductionUsers of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) require periodic testing for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and renal function. Before PrEP was made free of charge through statutory health insurance in late 2019, PrEP users in Germany had to pay for testing themselves.AimWe investigated self-reported HIV, STI and renal function testing frequencies among self-funded PrEP users in Germany, factors associated with infrequent testing, and STI diagnoses.MethodsA cross-sectional anonymous online survey in 2018 and 2019 recruited current PrEP users via dating apps for men who have sex with men (MSM), a PrEP community website, anonymous testing sites and friends. We used descriptive methods and logistic regression for analysis.ResultsWe recruited 4,848 current PrEP users. Median age was 37 years (interquartile range (IQR): 30–45), 88.7% identified as male, and respectively 26.3%, 20.9% and 29.2% were tested less frequently for HIV, STI and renal function than recommended. Participants with lower STI testing frequency were significantly less likely to report STI diagnoses during PrEP use, especially among those with many partners and inconsistent condom use. Factors most strongly associated with infrequent testing included not getting tested before starting PrEP, using PrEP from informal sources and on-demand/intermittent PrEP use.DiscussionIn a setting of self-funded PrEP, many users obtained medical tests less frequently than recommended, which can lead to missed diagnoses. Barriers to testing should be addressed to enable proper medical supervision. The suitability of testing frequencies to PrEP users with less frequent risk exposures needs to be evaluated.

Impact of the early 2020 COVID-19 crisis and lockdown on PrEP use among men who have sex with men (MSM) in France

ObjectiveTo describe changes in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use during and following the COVID-19 lockdown in France (March–May 2020) and identify the factors associated with PrEP discontinuation among men who have...

Identifying Ethical and Culturally Responsive Research Activities to Build Trust and Improve Participation of Black Sexual Minority Men in Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Telehealth Clinical Trials: Qualitative Study.

BackgroundTelehealth interventions could improve pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation and adherence in high HIV incidence groups such as young Black sexual minority men (BSMM). However, young BSMM remain distrustful of and underrepresented in clinical trials. Therefore, ethical and culturally responsive ways are needed to build trust and improve their participation in PrEP telehealth clinical trials.ObjectiveTo bridge this gap, this study identified ethical and culturally responsive activities to build trust and improve participation of young BSMM in PrEP telehealth clinical trials.MethodsWe obtained data from 7 virtual, synchronous focus groups that were conducted from April to August 2020 and consisted of 28 BSMM aged 18-34 years. Focus groups included a brief survey distributed online via Qualtrics followed by a virtual, synchronous focus group conducted via Zoom that lasted between 50 and 75 minutes. Focus groups were stratified by age (18- to 24-year-old participants and 25- to 34-year-old participants), outlined the components of an example PrEP telehealth randomized controlled trial, and included questions on domains of the study design—research motivations, study funding, recruitment activities, informed consent details, randomization, follow-up, and end of study activities. Participants were asked targeted questions regarding the ethics and trustworthiness of the study and ways in which researchers could gain their trust through the protocol used in the PrEP telehealth clinical trial.ResultsThe focus groups included 2 groups of 18- to 24-year-old participants and 5 groups of 25- to 34-year-old participants. The mean age of participants was 27.2 years (SD 4.4 years). Of the 28 participants, 10 (36%) reported a bachelor’s degree to be their highest completed education level and 6 (21%) reported some graduate degree or higher to be their highest completed education level. Most participants (16/28, 57%) reported that they worked full-time and that they were single or not in a committed relationship (21/28, 75%). Most participants (24/28, 86%) reported that they used at least one drug before sex in the 6 months prior to the study. All participants reported that they heard about PrEP and 36% (10/28) were current PrEP users. Overall, the focus groups yielded themes related to the impact of researcher intentions, study funding, recruitment activities, informed consent details, randomization, and study team interactions during and after the study on trust and participation in the clinical trial.ConclusionsMedical and research mistrust persists among BSMM. This study identified several ethical and culturally responsive activities to build trust and improve participation of young BSMM in PrEP telehealth clinical trials. Future studies should assess the relative impact of implementing these findings on research participation in a PrEP telehealth clinical trial.

The effect of PrEP uptake and adherence on the spread of HIV in the presence of casual and long-term partnerships.

A model with both casual and long-term partnerships is considered with respect to the impact of a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on the spread of HIV. We consider the effect of the effectiveness of PrEP, the rate that susceptible individuals choose to take PrEP, and compliance with the daily dose of the pre-exposure prophylaxis. The rate of infection in long-term partnerships is computed using a linearized expected value as a means for including the nonlocal effects of long-term partnerships while maintaining computational feasibility. The reproduction numbers for models with casual partnerships, long-term partnerships, and a combination of both are analytically computed and global stability of both disease-free and endemic equilibria is shown. Sensitivity and PRCC analysis results suggest that increasing the compliance among the current PrEP users is a more effective strategy in the fight against the HIV epidemic than increased coverage with poor compliance. Furthermore, an analysis of the reproduction number shows that models with either casual or monogamous long-term partnerships can reach the desired $ R_0 < 1 $ threshold for high enough levels of compliance and uptake, however, a model with both casual and monogamous long-term partnerships will require additional interventions. Methods highlighted in this manuscript are applicable to other incurable diseases or diseases with imperfect vaccines effected by long-term partnerships.

"You tell him that 'baby, I am protecting myself'": Women's agency and constraint around willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis in the Masibambane Study.

Objectives:To explore women’s willingness to consider using pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention in the context of gendered relationship dynamics, in Durban, South Africa.Methods:As formative research prior to development of a gender-informed intervention to introduce pre-exposure prophylaxis to young, urban, educated women, we conducted six focus-group discussions and eight in-depth interviews with 46 women ages 18–25 years, who were not current pre-exposure prophylaxis users. Women were recruited from clinic and community settings using a criterion-based snowball sampling technique. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed thematically, with a team-based consensus approach for final coding, analytical decisions, and data interpretation.Results:Women clearly understood the benefits of pre-exposure prophylaxis for themselves and their partners, focusing on promoting health and their right to protect themselves from HIV infection. At the same time, and in accordance with findings from other studies, women were realistic about the concerns that would arise among male partners, including disapproval, loss of trust, possible loss of the relationship, and in some instances, the potential for violence, if they were to propose pre-exposure prophylaxis use. To resolve this tension, some women advocated for covert use as the best option for themselves and others argued for disclosure, proposing various approaches to working with partners to adopt pre-exposure prophylaxis. The suggestion that both partners use pre-exposure prophylaxis was made repeatedly. Thus, women sought to avoid discussions of trust or lack of trust and a partner’s possible infidelities, choosing instead to focus on preserving or even building a relationship through suggesting pre-exposure prophylaxis use.Conclusion:Women offered diverse narratives on agency and constraint in relation to choosing pre-exposure prophylaxis as a future prevention strategy, as well as ways to engage with their male partners about pre-exposure prophylaxis. These findings speak to the need for interventions to bolster women’s confidence, sense of empowerment, and their communication and decision-making skills for successful HIV prevention.

Perceived HIV Acquisition Risk and Low Uptake of PrEP Among a Cohort of Transgender Women With PrEP Indication in the Eastern and Southern United States.

Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV among adherent users. However, PrEP uptake among transgender women is low, and current prescribing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are not specific to transgender women. Self-perceived risk of HIV among those who are PrEP-indicated is not well understood. This cross-sectional analysis included 1293 transgender women screened at baseline from March 2018 to May 2020 for a multisite, prospective cohort study. We compared the prevalence of PrEP indication using current CDC prescribing criteria versus transgender women-specific criteria developed by study investigators with community input. We identified factors associated with study-specific PrEP indication and factors associated with self-perceived low to no HIV risk among those who were PrEP-indicated. We also calculated descriptive statistics to depict the PrEP care continuum. PrEP indication prevalence using transgender women-specific criteria was 47% (611), 155 more than who were identified using the CDC criteria. Eighty-three percent were aware of PrEP, among whom 38% had ever used PrEP. Among PrEP ever users, 63% were using PrEP at the time of the study. There were 66% of current PrEP users who reported 100% adherence within the previous 7 days. Among those who were PrEP-indicated, 13% were using and adherent to PrEP at the time of the study. More than half (55%) of PrEP-indicated participants had low or no self-perceived HIV risk. These findings suggest that further guidance is needed for health care providers in prescribing PrEP to transgender women. Greater uptake and adherence are also needed for optimal effectiveness.

“Shades of risk”: Understanding current PrEP users’ sexually transmitted infection perceptions

ABSTRACT Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe and effective HIV prevention strategy. Given the possibility of increased sexual risk-taking and acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) following PrEP initiation, it is important to explore STI risk perceptions both before and after PrEP initiation to understand the extent to which these perceptions inform decisions to engage in condomless sex. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with men who have sex with men currently using PrEP (n = 30). Prior to analysis, PrEP users were categorized into four subgroups based on condom use behavior post-PrEP initiation: (1) condom continuers (2) condomless sex continuers, (3) condomless sex increasers, and (4) condomless sex decreasers. Thematic analysis revealed two major themes that elucidated differences in (1) the appraisal of HIV risk relative to other STIs and (2) the importance of partner communication in determining STI risk perceptions by subgroup. Most PrEP users demonstrated no behavioral change after PrEP initiation. Those engaging in condomless sex prior to PrEP initiation also continued that behavior while taking PrEP. Results of this study support a tailored approach to PrEP counseling based on individual STI risk appraisal and motivations to initiate and continue PrEP.

Access to Subsidized Health Care Affects HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia: Results of National Surveys 2013-2019.

We assessed willingness to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and current PrEP use among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Australia. National, online cross-sectional surveys of GBM were conducted in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019. Willingness to use PrEP was measured on a previously validated scale. Trends and associations with key measures were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. During 2013-2019, 4908 surveys were completed. Among HIV-negative and untested men not currently using PrEP, willingness to use PrEP increased from 23.0% in 2013 to 36.5% in 2017 (P < 0.001) but then plateaued at 32% in 2019 (P = 0.13). The proportion of current PrEP users increased significantly from 2.5% in 2015 to 38.5% in 2019 (P < 0.001). In 2019, factors independently associated with being a current PrEP user (compared with non-PrEP users who were willing to use PrEP) included having subsidized health care (Medicare), knowing HIV-positive people, being recently diagnosed with an STI other than HIV, having higher numbers of recent male sexual partners, recent condomless sex with casual and regular partners, and frequent PrEP sorting. Willingness to use PrEP has plateaued as its use has rapidly increased among GBM in Australia. PrEP use is concentrated among more sexually active men with access to subsidized health care. Free or low cost access schemes may facilitate broader access among GBM who want or need PrEP but lack access to subsidized health care.

Preference for using a variety of future HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis products among men who have sex with men in three US cities.

BackgroundDaily oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is available and recommended for men who have sex with men (MSM) at risk for HIV infection. Other HIV prevention products are being developed, including long‐acting injectable (LAI) and event‐based oral and topical formulations. Understanding preferences for potential products by MSM can help direct further development of prevention messaging.MethodsWe present baseline data from HIV‐negative participants enrolled in the US Mobile Messaging for Men (M‐cubed) Study. Participants were asked their likelihood of and rank order preference for using daily oral PrEP and various potential prevention products (one‐ to ‐three‐month injections, 2‐1‐1 sexual event oral dosing, anal or penile gel, or anal suppository), and their sociodemographic characteristics. Bivariate and multivariable logistics regression assessed demographic associations with likelihood of use and rank order preference.ResultsOverall, most MSM reported a likelihood of using LAI (74%), sexual event‐based pills (67%) and penile gel (64%). Men who reported recent unprotected (condomless and PrEPless) anal sex most preferred a penile gel formulation (74%), followed closely by LAI and event‐based pills (73% each). Current PrEP users (vs. non‐users) had greater odds of reporting likelihood to use LAI (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI = 2.12 to 5.11), whereas men reporting recent unprotected anal sex had a greater odds of likelihood to use a penile gel (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.27 to 2.52) and an anal suppository (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.08 to 2.02). Hispanic/Latino (vs. White) MSM (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.40 to 3.73) and, marginally, Black MSM (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.00 to 2.38) had greater odds of reporting likelihood to use penile gel. Similar patterns were found for rank ordering preference of products, including condoms.ConclusionsMost MSM were interested in using various potential future HIV prevention products, especially LAI. However, two typologies of potential users emerged: men who prefer sexual event‐based methods (condoms, event‐based pill, sexual gels and suppositories) and men who prefer non‐sexual event‐based methods (daily pill, LAI). Men who reported recent unprotected anal sex preferred a penile gel product most, followed closely by sexual event‐based pills and LAI. Racial/ethnic differences were noted as well. These findings on product preferences can help in formulation development and messaging.

Intersecting Barriers to PrEP Awareness and Uptake in Black Men Who Have Sex with Men in Atlanta, GA: a Syndemic Perspective

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can sharply reduce HIV transmission risk, yet has not been widely adopted among those at highest risk for HIV, including Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). To better understand the evolving landscape of PrEP uptake in this at-risk population, we sought to examine psychosocial factors associated with PrEP uptake in a sample of BMSM residing in the Atlanta, GA, area. BMSM were recruited through online social media, LGBT venues, and participant referral, and self-reported demographic and psychosocial information via computer-assisted self-interview. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine psychosocial factors associated with PrEP uptake. In 293 BMSM, most (N = 260; 88.7%) reported awareness of PrEP yet few (N = 30; 10.1%) reported ever having taken PrEP. BMSM reporting more syndemic conditions were less likely to be current PrEP users (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.96). BMSM reporting recent condomless anal sex (CAS) with a partner met online (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.07, 5.93), or who reported having chlamydia (aOR = 8.21; 95% CI: 1.42, 47.67) or STI-related symptoms (aOR = 4.35; 95% CI: 1.32, 14.37) in the past 3months, or genital warts in their lifetime (aOR = 7.74; 95% CI: 2.47, 24.21) were more likely to have ever used PrEP. Sexual orientation stigma from health care providers was negatively associated with PrEP uptake (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.95) among BMSM reporting recent CAS and multiple partners. Syndemic and stigma theories may inform strategies for improving PrEP uptake in BMSM.

Sexual risk and HIV testing disconnect in men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited to an online HIV self-testing trial.

We report the frequency of previous HIV testing at baseline in men who have sex with men (MSM) who enrolled in an HIV self-testing (HIVST) randomized controlled trial [an HIV self-testing public health intervention (SELPHI)]. Criteria for enrolment were age ≥ 16years, being a man (including trans men) who ever had anal intercourse (AI) with a man, not being known to be HIV positive and having consented to national HIV database linkage. Using online survey baseline data (2017-2018), we assessed associations with never having tested for HIV and not testing in the previous 6months, among men who reported at least two recent condomless AI (CAI) partners. A total of 10111 men were randomized; the median age was 33years [interquartile range (IQR) 26-44 years], 89% were white, 20% were born outside the UK, 0.8% were trans men, 47% were degree educated, and 8% and 4% had ever used and were currently using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), respectively. In the previous 3months, 89% reported AI and 72% reported CAI with at least one male partner. Overall, 17%, 33%, 54%, and 72% had tested for HIV in the last 3months, 6months, 12months and 2years, respectively; 13% had tested more than 2years ago and 15% had never tested. Among 3972 men reporting at least two recent CAI partners, only 22% had tested in the previous 3months. Region of residence and education level were independently associated with recent HIV testing. Among current PrEP users, 15% had not tested in the previous 6months. Most men in SELPHI, particularly those reporting at least two CAI partners and current PrEP users, were not testing in line with current UK recommendations. The results of the trial will inform whether online promotion of HIVST addresses ongoing testing barriers.