Faculty Collaboration Database

Exploring preferences and decision-making about long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young sexual minority men 17-24 years old. Sci Rep 2023 Mar 29;13(1):5116

Date

03/30/2023

Pubmed ID

36991027

Pubmed Central ID

PMC10052280

DOI

10.1038/s41598-023-32014-8

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85151182091 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   4 Citations

Abstract

Intramuscular cabotegravir for long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (i.e., LAI-PrEP) was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2021. We sought to explore LAI-PrEP decision-making among a nationwide sample of young sexual minority men (YSMM) 17-24 years old. In 2020, HIV-negative/unknown YSMM (n = 41) who met CDC criteria for PrEP were recruited online to participate in synchronous online focus groups eliciting preferences and opinions about LAI-PrEP, as well as the impact of a potential self-administered option. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis with constant comparison. Preferences and decision-making about LAI-PrEP varied widely among YSMM, with participants frequently comparing LAI-PrEP to oral PrEP regimens. We identified five key themes related to LAI-PrEP decision-making including concerns about adherence to PrEP dosing and clinic appointments, awareness and knowledge of PrEP safety and efficacy data, comfort with needles, minimizing PrEP stigma, and considerations of self-administration. YSMM acknowledged more PrEP options as beneficial to supporting uptake and persistence.

Author List

John SA, Zapata JP, Dang M, Pleuhs B, O'Neil A, Hirshfield S, Walsh JL, Petroll AE, Quinn KG

Authors

Steven A. John PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Andrew Petroll MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
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
Anti-HIV Agents
HIV Infections
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Male
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Sexual and Gender Minorities
Young Adult