ArticleBMC public health2024
Need for informed providers: exploring LA-PrEP access in focus groups with PrEP-indicated communities in Baltimore, Maryland.
Article in BMC public health, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- 'Put me off getting tested for years and years': a qualitative study of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men's experiences of homophobia in primary healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand.BMC health services research · 2026Article
- Patient pathways to PrEP persistence: a qualitative resilience-focused journey mapping study with cisgender Black and Latino men who have sex with men and clinical PrEP staff at a federally qualified health center.Frontiers in health services · 2026Article
- Assessment of acceptance and associated factors of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among commercial female sex workers in drop-in centers selected sub-cities of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Frontiers in public health · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundThe approval of long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis PrEP (LA-PrEP) in the United States brings opportunities to overcome barriers of oral PrEP, particularly among sexual and gender minority communities who bear a higher HIV burden. Little is known about real-time decision-making among potential PrEP users of LA-PrEP post-licensure.
methodsWe held focus group discussions with people assigned male at birth who have sex with men in Baltimore, Maryland to explore decision-making, values, and priorities surrounding PrEP usage. A sexual and gender minority-affirming health center that provides PrEP services supported recruitment. Discussions included a pile-sorting activity and were audio-recorded. Recordings were transcribed and analyzed iteratively, combining an inductive and deductive approach.
resultsWe held five focus groups from Jan-June 2023 with 23 participants (21 cisgender men who have sex with men, two transgender women who have sex with men; mean age 37). Among participants, 21 were on oral PrEP, one was on injectable PrEP, and one had never taken PrEP. Most had never heard about LA-PrEP. When making decisions about PrEP, participants particularly valued efficacy in preventing HIV, side effects, feeling a sense of security, and ease of use. Perceptions varied between whether oral or injectable PrEP was more convenient, but participants valued the new opportunity for a choice in modality. Factors influencing PrEP access included cost, individual awareness, provider awareness, and level of comfort in a healthcare environment. Participants emphasized how few providers are informed about PrEP, placing the burden of being informed about PrEP on them. Comfort and trust in a provider superseded proximity as considerations for if and where to access PrEP.
conclusionsThere is still low awareness about LA-PrEP among sexual and gender minority communities; thus, healthcare providers have a critical role in influencing access to LA-PrEP. Despite this, providers are still vastly underinformed about PrEP and underprepared to support clients in contextualized ways. Clients are more likely to engage in care with affirming providers who offer non-judgmental conversations about sex and life experiences. Provider education in the United States is urgently needed to better support clients in choosing a PrEP modality that is right for them and supporting adherence for effective HIV prevention.
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