Faculty Collaboration Database

PrEP Use Among Black Transgender Women: A Qualitative Study on Barriers to PrEP Use and the Power and Promise of Community. Arch Sex Behav 2025 May;54(5):1769-1780

Date

04/23/2025

Pubmed ID

40263210

DOI

10.1007/s10508-025-03130-5

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-105003278505 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

Black transgender women (TW) have disproportionately low uptake and use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), despite high vulnerability to HIV. Community and peer support may be important intervention targets to improve PrEP use among Black TW. We conducted qualitative interviews with 42 Black TW in the midwestern United States to understand Black TW's experiences with PrEP and explore barriers to PrEP use and the ways peers and Black trans communities may support PrEP use. Using inductive thematic analysis, we identified three primary themes. First, many Black TW see themselves as PrEP advocates and look out for other Black TW. Second, participants described a desire to support the broader Black trans community thrive. Finally, participants described the importance of supporting Black TW involved in sex work, including by supporting the use of PrEP. Data from this study show that, despite numerous health care and structural-level barriers, Black TW play a vital role in supporting PrEP use among other Black TW and supporting their communities. Our results highlight the promise of community-driven interventions among Black TW in supporting PrEP use.

Author List

Quinn KG, Randall L, Wesp L, John SA, Amirkhanian YA, Kelly JA

Authors

Yuri A. Amirkhanian PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jeffrey A. Kelly PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Katherine Quinn 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

Adult
Female
HIV Infections
Health Services Accessibility
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Midwestern United States
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Qualitative Research
Transgender Persons
Young Adult