Faculty Collaboration Database

Why I Quit Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)? A Mixed-Method Study Exploring Reasons for PrEP Discontinuation and Potential Re-initiation Among Gay and Bisexual Men. AIDS Behav 2018 Nov;22(11):3566-3575

Date

02/07/2018

Pubmed ID

29404756

Pubmed Central ID

PMC6077114

DOI

10.1007/s10461-018-2045-1

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85045038277 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   122 Citations

Abstract

Literature concerning pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among gay and bisexual identifying men (GBM) has explored facilitators and barriers to uptake and adherence. Far less reported are the reasons why GBM discontinue PrEP use. A national sample of 1071 GBM completed surveys about PrEP use and discontinuation. Participants who were still taking PrEP the 24-month follow up were compared to those that had stopped. Eighteen percent (n = 31) of GBM who reported ever using PrEP discontinued use. Younger (AOR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.92-1.00), and unemployed (AOR = 4.58; 95% CI 1.43-14.70) GBM were more likely to discontinue PrEP than their counterparts. Those that discontinued provided details on why via a free response question. The most common reasons for discontinuation were lower perceived HIV risk (50%) and cost/insurance (30%). Reasons for potential re-initiation included higher-risk sexual activities and changes to structural related barriers. More research is needed to inform interventions on how GBM can continue taking PrEP during changes to employment that effect insurance coverage and cost.

Author List

Whitfield THF, John SA, Rendina HJ, Grov C, Parsons JT

Author

Steven A. John 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
Bisexuality
HIV Infections
Homosexuality, Male
Humans
Male
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Perception
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Safe Sex
Sexual Behavior
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult