1. "Why Not Just go on PrEP?": A Study to Inform Implementation of an HIV Prevention Intervention Among Hispanic/Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Northeastern United States.
- Author
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Rogers BG, Toma E, Harkness A, Arnold T, Nagel K, Bajic J, Maynard M, Almonte A, Nunn A, and Chan P
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, New England, Young Adult, Middle Aged, Pilot Projects, Anti-HIV Agents therapeutic use, Anti-HIV Agents administration & dosage, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Adolescent, HIV Infections prevention & control, Hispanic or Latino, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, Homosexuality, Male
- Abstract
Background: Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective biological option for HIV prevention yet persistent disparities in PrEP uptake and retention exist among Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). We evaluated barriers and facilitators to PrEP care among Hispanic/Latino MSM at risk for and living with HIV., Setting: A small urban setting in the Northeastern United States., Methods: This was a mixed-methods, exploratory, sequential, qualitative and quantitative pilot study among Latino MSM at-risk and/or living with HIV across (1) semistructured qualitative interviews (N = 15) and (2) cross-sectional survey (N = 98)., Results: Participants reported a diverse range of sexual identities, HIV statuses, and PrEP statuses. Qualitative participants described feelings of isolation in both Hispanic/Latino and queer communities that made it challenging to learn about HIV prevention or PrEP from peers. Participants in the survey indicated that they would be more inclined to uptake PrEP if PrEP were offered in primary care settings (n = 61; 62.2%); there were specific LGBTQ+ affirming medical settings (n = 36; 36.7%); and/or they could meet other people who are currently on PrEP and sharing experiences online (n = 46; 46.9%) or in person (n = 38; 38.8%). Findings were organized to reflect determinants and implementation strategies that could be used to improve PrEP uptake among this population., Conclusions: This mixed-methods study identified several challenges and opportunities for increasing the reach of PrEP to Hispanic/Latino MSM. These findings should be used to inform tailored implementation strategies to promote PrEP uptake among this at-risk yet currently underserved population., Competing Interests: Dr. B.G.R. received funding in the form of a Developmental Research Award from the Providence/Boston Center for AIDS Research to conduct this project (P30AI042853). During this funding period, Dr. B.G.R. also had research funding from Gilead Sciences (IN-US-276-5463). Dr. A.H. receives royalties from Oxford University Press for books published on LGBTQ+ affirmative mental health treatment. Dr. A.H. was supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (K23MD015690). Dr. T.A. was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (K23MH124539). Dr. P.C. consults for the Rhode Island Department of Health and is the chief medical officer at Rhode Island Public Health Institute. Dr. A.N. is the executive director of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute. Michaela Maynard, NP is director of Clinical Operations at Open Door Health. No other conflicts of interest or sources of funding are reported., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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