Considerable interest in pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among men who have sex with men recruited from a popular geosocial-networking smartphone application in London

William C. Goedel, Kenneth H. Mayer, Matthew J. Mimiaga, Dustin T. Duncan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Men who have sex with men (MSM) who use smartphone applications (apps) to meet sexual partners represent a high-risk subset of MSM. As such, the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be highly suitable. The purpose of the study was to evaluate awareness of and willingness to use PrEP among 179 HIV-uninfected MSM recruited in London who use these apps. Regression models were fit to assess the associations between perceived barriers and willingness to use PrEP in the future. Most (84.9%) had heard of PrEP and more than half (57.1%) were willing to use PrEP in the future if it were to become available. Low perceived risk for acquiring HIV (prevalence ratio (PR): 0.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04, 0.33) and concerns about PrEP-related side effects (PR: 0.01; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.04) were associated with being unwilling to use PrEP. Efforts to make PrEP widely available should be continued. Uptake interventions should focus on correcting self-perceptions of HIV risk and educate MSM about the potential side effects of PrEP use so that MSM can make more informed decisions about prevention options.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)112-121
Number of pages10
JournalGlobal Public Health
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2 2019

Keywords

  • Men who have sex with men
  • United Kingdom
  • geosocial-networking smartphone applications
  • pre-exposure prophylaxis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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