Preferences for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Information Among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) at Community Outreach Settings

Abstract

Community outreach efforts to increase HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization by at risk men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) first need to elucidate preferences for learning about PrEP and linking to PrEP resources. In this pilot study, we observed that among MSM recruited through community outreach, HIV sexual risk-taking was significant, yet self-perceived PrEP knowledge was low and interest in learning more about PrEP was moderate. Most preferred learning about PrEP and being provided local PrEP clinic information through electronic media. However, receipt of PrEP information alone did not appear to motivate these men into presenting to a local clinic for PrEP evaluation.

Towards an integrated primary and secondary HIV prevention continuum for the United States: a cyclical process model

“…emergency departments) or non-healthcare settings (e.g. community-based organizations (CBOs)), minimum assessments may include knowledge of and eligibility for a range of risk-reduction strategies, including PrEP, in accordance with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, and healthcare provider and insurance status navigation needs [11]. For vulnerable individuals testing for HIV in healthcare settings, or having been referred for HIV prevention services by an acute care or non-healthcare testing site, possible assessments include the following: screenings for sexually transmitted infections, mental health disorders, substance abuse, intimate partner violence and trauma; adequacy of health insurance to cover necessary prevention services; and other primary or specialty care needs [12,13].…”

“…housing, employment, nutritional and social support) [12,13]. For individuals tested for HIV and having undergone basic risk assessments in acute and non-healthcare settings, linkage to culturally sensitive medical and other service providers with knowledge and experience providing or coordinating various primary HIV prevention interventions is essential [11]. These may include providers in primary care settings; reproductive, sexual, transgender or other community health programmes (including PrEP clinics); and intervention programmes at CBOs.…”

Low-Intensity Outreach to Increase Uptake of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Patients with Sexually Transmitted Infections

“…Prior studies that have evaluated outreach strategies to increase PrEP uptake among high-risk individuals have resulted in fewer than 1% initiating PrEP (2–3). Thus, the optimal strategies for increasing PrEP uptake among individuals who may benefit from PrEP are not yet known.…”

The Current Status of PrEP in Key Populations

“…Age and education are the two other factors. In another pilot study of 209 participants without any intervention in the state of Rhode Island has shown that less than half of the HIV-negative people were willing to take PrEP in 2014, even though there was a high prevalence of condomless sex ( [8]). Knowledge of PrEP was low and interest in knowing more about PrEP through counseling and education was moderate, though electronic media and brochure was available.…”

“…Since its approval in 2012, the low uptake of PrEP has been observed in the MSM community ( [8]). First of all, PrEP is only available in a few countries.…”