When awareness is not a barrier to PrEP uptake among men who have sex with men who are eligible for PrEP in France

AIDS Care. 2024 Mar;36(3):390-399. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2268887. Epub 2023 Nov 6.

Abstract

Despite PrEP being available and free of charge in France, a gap remains between the estimated number of men who have sex with men (MSM) with high-risk exposure to HIV and the number of MSM PrEP users. The objective of this study is to identify factors associated with non-intention to use PrEP among PrEP-eligible and PrEP-aware MSM in France, "non-intenders".European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS)-2017 was a cross-sectional survey conducted among MSM concerning their HIV prevention needs. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with "non-intenders".Compared to PrEP users, factors associated with non-intention to use PrEP were: age (aOR[95%CI] = 3.80[2.21;6.53]); not being vaccinated against hepatitis B (2.20[1.45;3.34]); self-efficacy (1.84[1.29;2.60]); lower knowledge about on-demand PrEP (11.48[7.37;17.87]) and daily PrEP (2.58[1.27;5.25]); not having a PrEP discussion at a hospital (12.39[8.90;17.27]) or at a community service/drop-in (4.93[3.48;6.97]); living in a department with few PrEP access points (1.70[1.10;2.63]).On-demand PrEP may meet the prevention needs of "non-intenders" who have lower HIV risk perception. Increasing communication from health providers and community health workers to all MSM is needed.

Keywords: Europe; MSM; PrEP; non-intention.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • France
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis*
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*