Faculty Collaboration Database

The Unanticipated Benefits of PrEP for Young Black Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2020 May;24(5):1376-1388

Date

11/27/2019

Pubmed ID

31768688

Pubmed Central ID

PMC7592111

DOI

10.1007/s10461-019-02747-7

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85076201781 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   27 Citations

Abstract

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective at reducing new HIV infections among adherent users. However, there are potential benefits of PrEP beyond HIV prevention that remain understudied, particularly among young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2018, we conducted six focus groups (n = 36) in four midwestern cities: Milwaukee, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Detroit, MI; and Kansas City, MO with current and former PrEP users who identified as Black MSM. The focus groups covered medical care and provider experiences, patterns of PrEP use and adherence, relationships while on PrEP, and PrEP stigma. Results revealed four unanticipated benefits of PrEP for young Black MSM: (1) improved engagement in medical care, (2) reduced sexual and HIV anxiety, (3) increased sexual comfort and freedom, and (4) positive sexual relationships with people living with HIV. Findings from this study fill a gap in our understanding of the potential benefits of PrEP beyond HIV prevention. Public health campaigns and messaging around PrEP should incorporate such benefits to reach young Black MSM who may be motivated by benefits beyond HIV prevention.

Author List

Quinn KG, Christenson E, Sawkin MT, Hacker E, Walsh JL

Authors

Katherine Quinn PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jennifer L. Walsh PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Bisexuality
Cities
Focus Groups
HIV Infections
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Male
Midwestern United States
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Qualitative Research
Safe Sex
Sexual Behavior
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Social Stigma