DESCRIPTION: This study assessed perceptions of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and their association with PrEP adoption intention among a convenience sample of 224 low socioeconomic status Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) residing in Los Angeles. Participants received educational information about PrEP and completed an in-person interview.
OUTCOMES: More than half of the participants indicated a high intention to adopt PrEP. BMSM (18-29 years) were twice as likely to report a high intention to adopt PrEP compared to older BMSM (30+ years). Only a third of participants were aware of PrEP, and no participant had ever used PrEP. Negative perceptions were associated with a lower PrEP adoption intention and included being uncomfortable taking an HIV medicine when HIV-negative and not knowing if there are long-term side effects of taking an HIV medication.
1. Brooks, R. A., Landovitz, R. J., Regan, R., Lee, S. J., & Allen, V. C. (2015). Perceptions of and intentions to adopt HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among black men who have sex with men in Los Angeles. International Journal of STD & AIDS. EPub 2015 Jul 26. PMID: 25638214.