Qualitative investigation of factors impacting pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation and adherence in sexual minority men. Health Expect 2022 Feb;25(1):313-321
Date
12/15/2021Pubmed ID
34904322Pubmed Central ID
PMC8849378DOI
10.1111/hex.13382Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85121097006 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 2 CitationsAbstract
INTRODUCTION: Men who have sex with men continue to account for the majority of new HIV infections in the United States. Many of those with new infections are unaware that they have HIV. Preventative measures continue to be essential in reducing new infections, with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) being widely recommended.
OBJECTIVES: The overall aim of this qualitative study is to explore the impact of stigma, patient-provider dynamics and patient perception of PrEP on men's engagement with PrEP in a primary care setting.
METHODS: The Consensual Qualitative Research Methodology (Hill, 2012) was used to explore the experiences of 14 men receiving care for PrEP at a Family Medicine clinic in the Midwest. Semistructured interviews were conducted to allow for depth of understanding of individuals' experience.
RESULTS: Four major domains were identified: motivation to pursue PrEP, barriers and adherence to care, beliefs about how PrEP is perceived by others and experiences discussing sexual health and PrEP with providers.
CONCLUSION: It is important to better understand factors contributing to the pursuit of and adherence to HIV prevention measures and HIV care. Further, health systems and providers are encouraged to consider opportunities in terms of how their practice can destigmatize PrEP use and offer a welcoming environment for those pursuing HIV prevention.
PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients were involved in the study through their participation in semistructured interviews, which provided the data analysed for this study. There was no additional participation beyond the one-time interview or follow-up poststudy. Their interviews helped contribute to our better understanding of the needs and experiences of those receiving PrEP-related care.
Author List
Alt M, Rotert P, Conover K, Dashwood S, Schramm ATAuthor
Andrew T. Schramm PhD Assistant Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Anti-HIV AgentsHIV Infections
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Male
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Qualitative Research
Sexual and Gender Minorities
United States
