Perceived Barriers to and Facilitators of Long-Acting Injectable HIV PrEP Use Among Black, Hispanic/Latino, and White Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men

AIDS Educ Prev. 2022 Oct;34(5):365-378. doi: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.5.365.

Abstract

Long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) was recently approved for HIV prevention as an alternative to daily oral PrEP. We explored preferences and attitudes toward LAI-PrEP among Black, Hispanic/Latino, and White gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) using focus groups (n = 13) and in-depth interviews (n = 17). Participants expressed differing levels of interest in LAI-PrEP. While important benefits of LAI-PrEP included convenience, provider-facilitated PrEP discussion, and expansion of PrEP options, participants raised concerns about treatment efficacy and side effects, discomfort with needles/injections, cost, and frequency of clinic visits. Our findings highlight ongoing challenges with accessing HIV-prevention tools and provide guidance for developing strategies to enhance LAI-PrEP uptake among GBM.

Keywords: HIV; long-acting injectable; men; pre-exposure prophylaxis; qualitative research.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents* / therapeutic use
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis*
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents