Tensions between the epidemiology and psychology of HIV risk: implications for pre-exposure prophylaxis

The relevance of communal altruism for sexual minority men in contemporary contexts

There are many reasons why individuals engage in prosocial behavior; communal sexual altruism is based on the notion that some practice safer sex in the interest of promoting the well-being of their community/in-group. Given that definitions of what constitutes "safer sex" have changed with advances in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, we investigated the importance of communal sexual altruism (herein "altruism") among urban gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (GBM) in the contemporary context. Using a sample of 2449 GBM we examined the association of both safer-sex-related attitudes (e.g., HIV treatment optimism-skepticism) and behaviors (e.g., condomless anal sex [CAS]) with altruism scores. Higher altruism scores were associated with a lower likelihood of CAS and a greater frequency of discussing HIV status with new partners. These findings demonstrate that many GBM are motivated to engage in several kinds of behaviors that improve the well-being of their in-group (i.e., the GBM community).

Trajectories of Oral PrEP Adherence Among Young Kenyan Women: Implications for Promoting Effective PrEP Use

Using data from a 2-year study of young women at high HIV risk in Thika and Kisumu, Kenya, we identified group-based trajectories of PrEP adherence based on electronic pillcap-monitoring and assessed potentially associated demographic and socio-behavioral factors. Among 348 women, we selected a three-trajectory adherence model: low and declining (N = 211, 61%), moderate but declining (N = 119, 34%) and steady high adherers (N = 18, 5%). We also identified a two-trajectory HIV risk model based on self-perceived risk in the past week: high and increasing (N = 28, 8%) and steady low (N = 320, 92%) risk. The Kisumu site was associated with the moderate but declining and steady high adherence trajectories, while increasing VOICE risk score was associated with the low and declining adherence trajectory. We found no association between the adherence and risk trajectories. Our findings suggest adherence support may need tailoring by setting. Early, sustained support may also help those at highest risk of non-adherence.

A novel "HIV salience and Perception" scale is associated with PrEP dispensing and adherence among adolescent girls and young women in Kampala, Uganda

Low perceived HIV risk is a barrier to effective pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Single-item risk perception measures are stigmatizing and alienating to AGYW and may not predict PrEP use. There is a need for a tool capturing domains of perceived HIV risk and salience that align with PrEP use among AGYW. This HIV PrEP study was conducted in Kampala, Uganda. We developed and piloted the 9-item "HIV Salience and Perception" (HPS) scale (range: 9-36); higher scores indicate beliefs of higher vulnerability to HIV. We administered the scale to Ugandan AGYW participating in an ongoing cohort study at enrollment, one, three and six months. PrEP dispensing was measured quarterly and adherence was measured daily via Wisepill (high adherence: ≥80% of expected pill bottle openings). We assessed scale performance and used generalized estimating equations to determine associations between scale score and PrEP use. Among 499 AGYW, 54.1% of our sample was ≥ 20 years (range:16-25). The median HPS score was 18 (range:8-33; α = 0.77). Higher score was associated with PrEP dispensing (aRR = 1.07 per point increase; 95% CI = 1.01-1.13; p-value = 0.02) in the overall cohort and among only those ≥ 20 years (aRR = 1.10; 95% CI = 1.03-1.19; p-value = 0.01). We did not observe an association between scale score and PrEP adherence. AGYW scoring higher on a novel HPS scale were more likely to initiate and obtain PrEP refills through 6 months. This scale may capture drivers of PrEP dispensing and could inform PrEP delivery and counseling for AGYW.

Conceptualizing safer sex in a new era: Risk perception and decision-making process among highly sexually active men who have sex with men

BACKGROUND

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at the epicenter of the HIV epidemic. Efforts to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV transmission have traditionally focused on condoms and abstinence from high risk sexual practices. Recently, additional methods such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and viral load sorting have been introduced. The aim of this study was to gain understanding about risk management and risk perception strategies for HIV among highly sexually active Swedish MSM with men in Berlin.

METHODS

Eighteen sexually active Swedish MSM who travelled to or lived in Berlin were recruited and interviewed in this study. The data were analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

These men represent a group of knowledgeable MSM in terms of HIV. They acknowledged that having sex with men in Berlin was linked to high sexual risk taking due to the higher prevalence of HIV/STIs than in Sweden, but reported that they nevertheless did not alter their risk management strategies. The analysis resulted in a conceptual model of risk assessment that allows for a deeper understanding of the complexity of the risk reduction decision-making process. Three ontological perceptions of risk were identified: accepting, minimizing and rejecting risk. Seven practiced risk reduction methods were described. Some informants applied their preferred method or set of methods to all settings and partners, while others faced complex decision-making processes.

CONCLUSION

HIV is integrated into the core of MSM's sexuality, independently of how they ontologically related to the idea of risk. A constant navigation between pleasure, risk and safety, alongside having to relate to risk created a complex process. Efforts were made to remove HIV from their lives by rejecting the idea of risk, and thereby reject the idea of the homosexual body being a possible vessel for a virus and an epidemic.

Elevated Perceived Risk for HIV as a Barrier to Accessing Health Care Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men

We sought to examine how self-perception of risk for HIV and HIV status information avoidance are related to HIV testing uptake and engagement in routine health care among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM)-the group at highest risk for HIV in the USA. To do so, we used generalized linear modeling and serial mediation modeling to assess data from 342 HIV-negative BMSM collected from 2017 to 2019 in Atlanta, GA, USA. Participants reported considerable concern for testing HIV-positive; 40% reported believing they would test positive for HIV; 27% reported being "extremely concerned about getting HIV"; and 17% reported worrying about HIV "all the time". Mediation analyses demonstrated that greater concern for HIV was associated with longer intervals since the last HIV test and the last health-care appointment. BMSM perceived themselves to be at considerable risk for HIV, but critically, this outlook did not yield improved health-care behaviors. Findings highlight the need to reconceptualize our public health approach to reaching BMSM. Emphasizing risk behavior and targeting efforts toward BMSM may have unintended consequences and need to be reevaluated. Despite continued efforts to improve HIV-related outcomes, we are failing to meet the needs of BMSM.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Infection in Cisgender and Transgender Women in the U.S.: A Narrative Review of the Literature

Using a socioecological approach, this review describes the peer-reviewed literature on oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among both cisgender (cis women) and transgender women (trans women) in the U.S. A search of the PubMed database and HIV-related conference abstracts generated over 2,200 articles and abstracts. Of these, 103 fulfilled review inclusion criteria. Most of the existing research presents findings on individual-level factors associated with PrEP use such as willingness and perceived barriers. There was far less investigation of factors related to PrEP at more distal ecological levels. Though trans women are at greater risk of HIV infection than cisgender women, less is known about this population group with respect to PrEP despite their inclusion in many major clinical trials. Further, the literature is characterized by a persistent conflation of sex and gender which makes it difficult to accurately assess the reviewed research on HIV prevention and PrEP apart from risk group. Informed by these findings, we highlight specific opportunities to improve access to PrEP and reduce socioecological barriers to PrEP care engagement for cisgender and transgender women.

Sexual goals and perceptions of goal congruence in individuals' PrEP adoption decisions: A mixed-methods study of gay and bisexual men who are in primary relationships

BACKGROUND

Although health goals are recognized as a central feature of health behavior theories, the relational context through which goals are conceptualized is often overlooked. Interdependence theory represents a valuable framework for understanding goals in the adoption of health behaviors, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), among gay and bisexual men in primary relationships.

PURPOSE

We examined the content and focus of men's sexual health goals, as well as whether goal content, goal focus, or perceptions of goal congruence with a primary partner were related to PrEP adoption among gay and bisexual men in primary relationships.

METHODS

Mixed-methods data were collected from a PrEP demonstration project from 145 HIV-negative gay and bisexual men in primary relationships. Participants reported their sexual health goals and completed measures of perceptions of goal congruence, relationship factors, and sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

Three main goal content categories were identified: prevention, satisfaction, and intimacy. In expressing these goals, participants framed them with either a self-focus or a relationship-focus. Men in serodiscordant relationships reported more intimacy goals and greater perceptions of goal congruence. There were no differences in goal content or focus by sexual agreement. In the multivariable logistic regression model, perceived goal congruence was associated with PrEP adoption, over and above covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Intimate relationships play a significant role in the formation of health-related goals. Goal content, focus, and perceived congruence with partners may represent important targets for HIV prevention interventions for gay and bisexual men in primary relationships, especially in the context of PrEP.

Assessing a domain-specific risk-taking construct: A meta-analysis of reliability of the DOSPERT scale

The DOSPERT scale has been used extensively to understand individual differences in risk attitudes across varying decision domains since 2002. The present study reports a reliability generalization meta-analysis to summarize the internal consistency of both the initial and the revised versions of DOSPERT. It also examined factors that can influence the reliability of the DOSPERT and its subscales. A total of 104 samples (N = 30,109) that reported 465 coefficient alphas were analyzed. Results of meta-regression models showed that the overall coefficient alpha of the DOSPERT total scores was satisfactory, regardless of the scale and study characteristics. Coefficient alphas varied significantly across domain subscales, with values ranging from .68 for the social domain to .80 for the recreational domain. In addition, the alpha coefficients of subscales varied significantly depending on various study characteristics. Finally, we report the meta-analysis of the intercorrelations among DOSPERT subscales and reveal that intercorrelations among the subscales are heterogeneous. We discuss the theoretical implications of the present findings.

The Impact of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis on Sexual Communication and Sexual Behavior of Urban Gay and Bisexual Men

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has altered the public health landscape for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) by significantly increasing protection against HIV infection. Early epidemiologic data showed GBM generally used PrEP as prescribed, i.e., as an additional protective tool over and above barrier protection, although subsequent reports have been equivocal. Irrespective of population-level trends, some GBM appear to have reevaluated their HIV risk tolerance and changed their interactions with sex partners. Scant published data have focused on factors that influence PrEP-using GBM's decisions about sexual behavior-including condom use as well as sex with HIV-positive partners-and sexual communication practices. Thus, in this study, we investigated those research concerns qualitatively via content analysis of individual interviews conducted with 103 GBM in New York City (M age 32.5 years, 50% White, 64% on PrEP > 6 months). Emergent themes reflect (1) participants' strong HIV knowledge; (2) changing GBM community norms about condom use on PrEP; (3) increased focus on risk tolerance with individual differences in post-PrEP condom use; (4) appreciation for routine sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening in PrEP care concomitant with some STI knowledge deficits; (5) decreased stigma concerning, and greater comfort with, HIV-positive sex partners; and (6) increased confidence discussing HIV status and condom use preferences with partners. Findings have implications for future research as well as for clinical practice, such as enhanced STI education and provider-initiated discussions about risk compensation, serosorting, and sexual communication skills.

How heterogeneous are MSM from Brazilian cities? An analysis of sexual behavior and perceived risk and a description of trends in awareness and willingness to use pre-exposure prophylaxis

Background

Brazil has the largest population of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Latin America, with a disproportional prevalence of infection among gays, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Of relevance to prevention and treatment efforts, Brazilian MSM from different regions may differ in behaviors and risk perception related to HIV.

Methods

We report on MSM living in 29 different cities: 26 Brazilian state capitals, the Federal District and two large cities in São Paulo state assessed in three web-based surveys (2016–2018) advertised on Grindr, Hornet and Facebook. Using logistic regression models, we assessed the association of risk behavior with HIV perceived risk as well as factors associated with high-risk behavior.

Results

A total of 16,667 MSM completed the survey. Overall, MSM from the North and Northeast were younger, more black/mixed-black, of lower income and lower education compared to MSM from the South, Southeast and Central-west. Though 17% had never tested for HIV (with higher percentages in the North and Northeast), condomless receptive anal sex (previous 6 months) and high-risk behavior as per HIV Incidence Risk scale for MSM were observed for 41 and 64%, respectively. Sexual behavior and HIV perceived risk had low variability by city and high-risk behavior was strongly associated with high HIV perceived risk. Younger age, being gay/homosexual, having a steady partner, binge drinking, report of sexually transmitted infection (STI) and ever testing for HIV were associated with increased odds of high-risk behavior. Awareness and willingness to use PrEP increased from 2016 to 2018 in most cities.

Conclusions

Overall, MSM socio-demographic characteristics were heterogeneous among Brazilian cities, but similarities were noted among the cities from the same administrative region with a marked exception of the Federal District not following the patterns for the Central-West. Combination HIV prevention is most needed among young men who self-identify as gay/homosexual, report binge drinking or prior STI.

PrEP and sexual well-being: a qualitative study on PrEP, sexuality of MSM, and patient-provider relationships

Most new diagnoses of HIV in the United States are among men who have sex with men (MSM). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that mitigates risk of HIV acquisition and requires regular STI testing and prescription refills with PrEP providers. Because PrEP care monitors sexual behavior, there is a need to understand how PrEP providers approach sexual health care for MSM patients. In this study, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 MSM in Atlanta, Georgia with current or past prescriptions for PrEP. Data were analyzed with thematic analysis using four major steps: (1) code and codebook development, (2) assigning codes to segments of interviews, (3) code-based and comparative analysis methods, and (4) developing thematic findings. Findings from interviews about changes in sexuality while using PrEP include decreased anxiety surrounding sex, increased feelings of control over personal health, and experiencing less stigma towards sexual partners with HIV. Participants indicated needs for tailored health advice based on individual sexual preferences, sexual health care free from stereotypical assumptions, and improved access to PrEP providers identifying as gay men or who practice in LGBT-friendly settings. Study findings support a call for a gain-frame approach to sexual health in PrEP care for MSM.

Historical and Developmental Changes in Condom Use Among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men Using a Multiple-Cohort, Accelerated Longitudinal Design

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have the highest HIV incidence in the U.S. The last 5 years has seen emergence of new methods for HIV prevention and societal shifts in gay rights. It is important to understand if there have been generational shifts in condom use during the developmental transition from adolescents to young adulthood. To disentangle history from development, we require a multiple-cohort, longitudinal design-a methodology never before applied to study YMSM. We followed three cohorts of YMSM recruited in 2007, 2010, and 2015 (N = 1141) from the ages of 17-26 years and modeled their longitudinal change over time in counts of anal sex acts and the ratio of condomless anal sex (CAS) acts to anal sex acts using latent curve growth modeling. We found that there was no significant developmental change in raw counts of anal sex acts, but there was a significant decline in the ratio of anal sex acts that were condomless. We also found significantly different patterns for ratio of CAS acts for the 2015 cohort. The 2015 cohort reported a significantly lower ratio of CAS acts at age 17, but significantly higher growth in ratio of CAS acts over development. The present study suggests that YMSM recruited in 2015 have very different trajectories of CAS compared to previous cohorts, including lower risk in late adolescence, but with the potential for higher risk after the transition into adulthood.

Perceived Versus Calculated HIV Risk: Implications for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Uptake in a Randomized Trial of Men Who Have Sex With Men

BACKGROUND

Inaccurate HIV risk perception by men who have sex with men is a barrier to HIV prevention. Providing information about objective HIV risk could improve pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake.

METHODS

PrEP Accessibility Research & Evaluation 2 (PrEPARE2) was a randomized controlled trial of men who have sex with men to determine whether an objective risk score affects future PrEP uptake. Participants completed a baseline survey to assess demographics, risk behaviors, and HIV self-perceived risk (SPR). The survey generated a calculated HIV risk (CalcR) score, estimating HIV risk based on reported condomless anal intercourse and sexually transmitted infections, and was provided to individuals in the intervention arm. Participants were contacted 8 weeks later to determine whether they initiated PrEP.

RESULTS

Of 171 participants (median age 32 years; 37% Hispanic or non-Hispanic Black; median 5 sexual partners in the past 6 months), 81% had heard of PrEP, and 57% believed they were good PrEP candidates. SPR had poor agreement with CalcR (kappa = 0.176) with 38% underestimating their HIV risk. At week 8, only 14 of 135 participants had initiated PrEP with no difference between arms (CalcR 11%, control 10%, P > 0.99). The most common reason for not starting PrEP was low HIV risk perception. There was a relative decrease in SPR over time (P = 0.06) but no difference between arms (P = 0.29).

CONCLUSION

Providing an objective HIV risk score alone did not increase PrEP uptake. HIV testing performed at testing sites may be a crucial time to correct misperceptions about risk and initiate same-day PrEP, given enthusiasm for PrEP on the testing day to facilitate greater uptake.

Interest in Long-Acting Injectable PrEP in a Cohort of Men Who have Sex with Men in China

Long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations of antiretrovirals (ARVs) as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could be an attractive alternative for men who have sex with men (MSM) who are interested in ARV-based biomedical prevention but will not use a daily pill. This study investigated interest in LAI-PrEP in a cohort of MSM in China and characterized how MSM willing to use only injectable PrEP differed from MSM who would use PrEP regardless of modality or not at all. Demographic, behavioral, and risk perception measures were collected and associations investigated. A licensed LAI-PrEP agent would increase the proportion interested in PrEP by 24.5% over oral PrEP alone. Combining interest in oral and injectable PrEP, 78.5% of the sample could be covered if reported interest in PrEP translated into actual uptake. Partnership factors differentiated those who would be willing to use only LAI-PrEP versus any PrEP modality, while higher self-perception of risk was associated with interest in LAI-PrEP versus no PrEP. The addition of a second PrEP modality could yield increased population coverage of PrEP. Social and behavioral research should be undertaken in parallel with clinical development of injectable PrEP agents to identify characteristics of those who are not interested in oral PrEP but would take advantage of ARV-based prevention with the introduction of an injectable product.

The association between monetary and sexual delay discounting and risky sexual behavior in an online sample of men who have sex with men

Delay discounting is a measure of impulsivity that has been found to be associated with numerous health-related outcomes. To the extent that delay discounting is associated with sexual risk-taking, it might serve as a marker for HIV risk or as the basis for novel HIV prevention interventions. The goal of the current study was to examine the association between monetary and sexual delay discounting and condomless anal intercourse (CAI) in a cross-sectional sample of men who have sex with men. Based on previous findings, we examined whether these associations were age-dependent. Sexual, but not monetary, delay discounting was found to be associated with CAI in the past 12 months. These results suggest that delay discounting is associated with sexual risk-taking. More high risk sexual behaviors and their associations with delay discounting should be investigated in the future.

Body/Selves and Beyond: Men's Narratives of Sexual Behavior on PrEP

Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has dramatically impacted HIV prevention, deep engagement with PrEP-takers' own accounts of their sexual behavior is still rare. We report findings from semi-structured interviews with male participants of the US PrEP Demonstration Project. In their narratives, interviewees variously foregrounded their individual selves, interactions with sexual partners, and the biopolitical and historical context of their lives. PrEP served to discursively integrate the multiple selves populating these stories. We argue that medical anthropological notions can help make sense of men's accounts, and PrEP's role in them, advancing a holistic conception of personhood that includes but transcends concern with HIV.

Psychometric evaluation of the Condom Barriers and Motivations Scale (CBMS)

The Condom Barriers and Motivations Scale (CBMS) was developed to measure four distinct categories of barriers and motives to condom use, including: risk reduction motivations, pleasure reduction barriers, intimacy interference barriers, and partner pressure barriers. The CBMS is a 16-item scale with four items that correspond to each of these subscales. The CBMS was tested in two samples of gay and bisexual men. Results support the reliability and validity of the scale and its structure. Results also indicate that CBMS subscales are distinct from general measures of sexual wellbeing, personality factors, or relationship quality (i.e., discriminant validity) and are associated with self-reported condom use with different partner types (i.e., construct validity). The CBMS can be helpful in better understanding the dynamics of condom use in the context of pre-exposure prophylaxis decision-making, and can shed light on innovative approaches to enhance condom use as part of comprehensive HIV prevention and sexual health goals.

Young Transgender Women's Attitudes Toward HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis

PURPOSE

Our primary aim was to explore themes regarding attitudes toward HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young transgender women (YTW), in order to develop a theoretical model of PrEP uptake in this population disproportionally affected by HIV.

METHODS

Qualitative study nested within a mixed-method study characterizing barriers and facilitators to health services for YTW. Participants completed an in-depth interview exploring awareness of and attitudes toward PrEP. Key themes were identified using a grounded theory approach.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 25) had a mean age of 21.2 years (standard deviation 2.2, range 17-24) and were predominately multiracial (36%) and of HIV-negative or unknown status (68%). Most participants (64%) reported prior knowledge of PrEP, and 28% reported current use or intent to use PrEP. Three major content themes that emerged were variability of PrEP awareness, barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake, and emotional benefits of PrEP. Among participants without prior PrEP knowledge, participants reported frustration that PrEP information has not been widely disseminated to YTW, particularly by health care providers. Attitudes toward PrEP were overwhelmingly positive; however, concerns were raised regarding barriers including cost, stigma, and adherence challenges. Both HIV-positive and negative participants discussed emotional and relationship benefits of PrEP, which were felt to extend beyond HIV prevention alone.

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of YTW in this study had prior knowledge of PrEP, and attitudes toward PrEP were positive among participants. Our findings suggest several domains to be further explored in PrEP implementation research, including methods of facilitating PrEP dissemination and emotional motivation for PrEP uptake.

Awareness and Willingness to Use Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Brazil

Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended to prevent HIV infection among high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) though not available in Brazil where the HIV epidemic persists unabated in this group. This cross-sectional study describes PrEP awareness and willingness and associated factors among MSM and transvestite/transgender women (trans women) pre-screened for the PrEP Brasil study. Awareness was reported by 61.3 % of the participants and was associated with age, education, site, study period and prior HIV testing. Most participants (82.1 %) were willing to use PrEP, which was associated with site, study period, number of male condomless anal sexual partners and anal sex with HIV positive/unknown partners. PrEP information is need among young and less educated individuals. Willingness to use PrEP was high and future studies should be conducted to confirm PrEP acceptability and the characteristics of the population who chose to adopt this intervention.

Values and Preferences on the Use of Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention Among Multiple Populations: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of antiretroviral drugs by HIV-negative people to prevent HIV infection. WHO released new guidelines in 2015 recommending PrEP for all populations at substantial risk of HIV infection. To prepare these guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of values and preferences among populations that might benefit from PrEP, women, heterosexual men, young women and adolescent girls, female sex workers, serodiscordant couples, transgender people and people who inject drugs, and among healthcare providers who may prescribe PrEP. A comprehensive search strategy reviewed three electronic databases of articles and HIV-related conference abstracts (January 1990-April 2015). Data abstraction used standardised forms to categorise by population groups and relevant themes. Of 3068 citations screened, 76 peer-reviewed articles and 28 conference abstracts were included. Geographic coverage was global. Most studies (N = 78) evaluated hypothetical use of PrEP, while 26 studies included individuals who actually took PrEP or placebo. Awareness of PrEP was low, but once participants were presented with information about PrEP, the majority said they would consider using it. Concerns about safety, side effects, cost and effectiveness were the most frequently cited barriers to use. There was little indication of risk compensation. Healthcare providers would consider prescribing PrEP, but need more information before doing so. Findings from a rapidly expanding evidence base suggest that the majority of populations most likely to benefit from PrEP feel positively towards it. These same populations would benefit from overcoming current implementation challenges with the shortest possible delay.

"Support Your Client at the Space That They're in": HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Prescribers' Perspectives on PrEP-Related Risk Compensation

Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and evidence that most PrEP users do not engage in risk compensation (i.e., increased risk behavior due to a perceived decrease in HIV susceptibility), some healthcare providers report patient risk compensation to be a deterrent to prescribing PrEP. Overcoming this barrier is essential to supporting PrEP access and uptake among people at risk for HIV. To inform such efforts, this qualitative study explored PrEP-related risk compensation attitudes among providers with firsthand experience prescribing PrEP. US-based PrEP providers (n = 18), most of whom were HIV specialists, were recruited through direct outreach and referral from colleagues and other participants. Individual 90-min semistructured interviews were conducted by phone or in person from September 2014 through February 2015, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Three attitudinal themes emerged: (1) providers' role is to support patients in making informed decisions, (2) risk behavior while taking PrEP does not fully offset PrEP's protective benefit (i.e., PrEP confers net protection, even with added behavioral risk), and (3) PrEP-related risk compensation is unduly stigmatized within and beyond the healthcare community. Participants were critical of other healthcare providers' negative judgment of patients and reluctance to prescribe PrEP due to anticipated risk compensation. Several providers also acknowledged an evolution in their thinking from initial ambivalence toward greater acceptance of PrEP and PrEP-related behavior change. PrEP providers' insights about risk compensation may help to address unsubstantiated concerns about PrEP-related risk compensation and challenge the acceptability of withholding PrEP on these grounds.

Using Online Settings to Identify Gay and Bisexual Men Willing to Take or With Experience Taking PrEP: Implications for Researchers and Providers

Given the ongoing HIV epidemic, it is essential to identify gay and bisexual men who are interested in starting PrEP as well as active PrEP users. We report on online survey data gathered over a 17-month period in 2014-2015 from gay and bisexual men identified through six sources of recruitment (n = 2903): Facebook, a hookup website, two geosocial-sexual networking apps (herein "App 1: Pop-up ads" and "App 2: Banner ads"), and two types of listservs (one focused on general gay nightlife, and one focused on gay sex parties). Willingness to take PrEP were as follows: sex party listservs (71.3%), both apps (69.8%), Facebook (67.6%), hookup website (65.2%), and nightlife listservs (50.5%). Experience having taken PrEP was as follows: sex party listservs (23.4%), App 2: Banner ads (22.5%), nightlife listservs (17.1) Facebook (14.2%), App 1: Pop-up ads (12.4%), and hookup website (2.1%). In multivariable modeling, willingness to go on PrEP was independently associated with being younger, single, a person of color, and having been tested for HIV in the past 12 months. Source of recruitment was largely unassociated with willingness to start PrEP. Number of recent male partners, number of recent condomless anal sex (CAS) events, and when data were collected (i.e., time in months) were not significantly associated with willingness to start PrEP. In multivariable models, experience having taken PrEP was positively associated with sexual identity as gay, number of recent male sex partners, number of recent CAS acts, being tested for HIV in the past 12 months, and time (in months). Experience taking PrEP varied greatly by recruitment source, suggesting both researchers and providers might be well served to utilize digital mediums to effectively identify these individuals; however, should do so with caution as not all digital options may prove fruitful.

Implementation and Operational Research: Computer-Assisted Intervention for Safer Sex in HIV-Positive Men Having Sex With Men: Findings of a European Randomized Multi-Center Trial

OBJECTIVE

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are the key population most affected by HIV in Europe. We performed the first European multicenter, simple-randomized parallel-group study to test the effectiveness of a theory-guided computer-assisted intervention to improve safer sex among HIV-positive men who have sex with men.

METHODS

Between February, 2011 and February, 2013, 112 participants were enrolled in 8 different European HIV-care settings. Intervention participants received 3 individual counseling sessions facilitated by trained service providers using computer-assisted tools. The control-group received sexual health advice delivered as part of regular HIV care. Outcome behavior (self-reported condom use at last intercourse; combined HIV transmission risk score), its influencing factors, and mediating variables were assessed at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Mixed effects models were used to compare primary outcomes (condom use at last intercourse, HIV transmission risk score), and mediation analysis to explore intervention effects.

RESULTS

Condom use at last intercourse increased more among intervention than control participants at 3 months follow-up (odds ratio of 3.83; P = 0.03), but not significantly at 6 months follow-up. Intervention participants reported a lower transmission risk at 3 months follow-up than controls (odds ratio compared with baseline of 11.53 and 1.28, respectively; P = 0.008), but this effect became nonsignificant at 6 months. Intervention effects were mediated by the proximal variables, self-efficacy to negotiate condom use and condom attitudes.

CONCLUSIONS

This intervention showed short-term effectiveness. The intervention should be replicated in other settings, eventually investigating if booster-counseling sessions would yield a longer lasting effect.

Use of an HIV-risk screening tool to identify optimal candidates for PrEP scale-up among men who have sex with men in Toronto, Canada: disconnect between objective and subjective HIV risk

INTRODUCTION

Identifying appropriate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) candidates is a challenge in planning for the safe and effective roll-out of this strategy. We explored the use of a validated HIV risk screening tool, HIV Incidence Risk Index for Men who have Sex with Men (HIRI-MSM), to identify "optimal" candidates among MSM testing at a busy sexual health clinic's community testing sites in Toronto, Canada.

METHODS

Between November 2014 and April 2015, we surveyed MSM undergoing anonymous HIV testing at community testing sites in Toronto, Canada, to quantify "optimal" candidates for scaling up PrEP roll-out, defined as being at high objective HIV risk (scoring ≥10 on the HIRI-MSM), perceiving oneself at moderate-to-high HIV risk and being willing to use PrEP. Cascades were constructed to identify barriers to broader PrEP uptake. The association between HIRI-MSM score and both willingness to use PrEP and perceived HIV risk were explored in separate multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of 420 respondents, 64.4% were objectively at high risk, 52.5% were willing to use PrEP and 27.2% perceived themselves at moderate-to-high HIV risk. Only 16.4% were "optimal" candidates. Higher HIRI-MSM scores were positively associated with both willingness to use PrEP (aOR=1.7 per 10 score increase, 95%CI=1.3-2.2) and moderate-to-high perceived HIV risk (aOR=1.7 per 10 score increase, 95%CI=1.2-2.3). The proportion of men who were "optimal" candidates increased to 42.9% when the objective HIV risk cut-off was changed to top quartile of HIRI-MSM scores (≥26). In our full cascade, a very low proportion (5.3%) of MSM surveyed could potentially benefit from PrEP under current conditions. The greatest barrier in the cascade was low perception of HIV risk among high-risk men, but considerable numbers were also lost in downstream cascade steps. Of men at high objective HIV risk, 68.3% did not perceive themselves to be at moderate-to-high HIV risk, 23.6% were unaware of PrEP, 40.1% were not willing to use PrEP, 47.6% lacked a family physician with whom they felt comfortable discussing sexual health, and 31.6% had no means to cover the cost of PrEP.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher HIRI-MSM cut-off may be helpful for identifying candidates for PrEP scale-up. Improving engagement in the PrEP cascade will require interventions to simultaneously address multiple barriers.

Ethical Implications of Social Stigma Associated with the Promotion and Use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention

Identifying sources of and eliminating social stigma associated with the promotion and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of sexually acquired HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) is both a moral imperative and necessary requirement to ensure that public health objectives of HIV prevention can be met. This article will examine and address ethical concerns and criticisms regarding the use of PrEP, barriers to its promotion, and use among MSM and examine the types of social stigma associated with PrEP. An ethical justification for both healthcare and LGBT communities to address and overcome social stigma regarding the use of PrEP among MSM is offered.

Antiretrovirals for primary HIV prevention: the current status of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis

In light of the 2 million HIV infections that occur globally each year, there is a need to optimize strategies that integrate biomedical and behavioral approaches to HIV prevention. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) immediately after acute high-risk exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those who engage in recurrent high-risk behaviors are promising bio-behavioral approaches to decreasing HIV transmission. Guidelines have recommended PEP for occupational and non-occupational exposures for over 15 years, but uptake of PEP has been limited, partly as a result of insufficient awareness of this intervention among persons at highest risk for acquiring HIV. However, since the publication of large randomized clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of PrEP, and the dissemination of guidelines endorsing its use, there is a renewed focus on bio-behavioral prevention. Numerous studies have recently assessed the acceptability of bio-behavioral prevention programs among diverse populations or described experiences implementing these programs in "real-world" settings. As research and clinical data informing optimal utilization of PEP and PrEP are rapidly accumulating, this review provides a timely summary of recent progress in bio-behavioral prevention. By contextualizing the most noteworthy recent findings regarding PEP and PrEP, this review seeks to inform the successful implementation of these promising prevention approaches.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in transgender women: a subgroup analysis of the iPrEx trial

Background

Oral emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is used to prevent the sexual acquisition of HIV. Transgender women (TGW) have unique characteristics that may relate to PrEP use, effectiveness, and safety.

Methods

The iPrEx trial was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of oral FTC/TDF PrEP versus placebo among men who have sex with men (MSM) and TGW, followed by an open label extension (OLE). Drug concentrations were measured in blood by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectroscopy.

Findings

Of the 2499 participants enrolled in the RCT, 29 (1%) identified as women, 296 (12%) identified as “trans”, 14 (1%) identified as men but reported use of feminizing hormones, such that 339 (14%) reported one or more of these characteristics (TGW). Compared with MSM, TGW more frequently reported transactional sex, receptive anal intercourse without a condom, or more than 5 partners in the past 3 months. Among TGW, there were 11 HIV infections in the active arm and 10 in the placebo arm, representing a hazard ratio of 1.1 (95% CI: 0.5 to 2.7). Among active arm participants, drug was detected in none of the TGW at the seroconversion visit, 18% (6/37) of seronegative TGW (P=0.31), and 52% (58/111) of seronegative MSM (P < 0.0001). PrEP use was not linked to behavioral indicators of HIV risk among TGW, while MSM at highest risk were more adherent.

Interpretation

There were no HIV infections among TGW having drug concentrations commensurate with use of 4 or more FTC/TDF tablets per week. TGW receiving PrEP had low drug concentrations, especially at times of potential HIV exposure, leading to no PrEP effectiveness among this subgroup.

Funding

U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; study medication was donated by Gilead Sciences.

Minimal Awareness and Stalled Uptake of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among at Risk, HIV-Negative, Black Men Who Have Sex with Men

In the United States, rates of HIV infection are highest among black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective form of HIV prevention, but the uptake of this strategy has been slow since FDA approval in 2012, and it is unknown whether information about PrEP is reaching BMSM. Four hundred and thirty-six BMSM in Atlanta, GA were surveyed from January 2012 (6 months prior to PrEP approval) to March 2014 (20 months after approval). Analyses revealed no association between date of survey assessment and awareness of PrEP (20.5% were aware of PrEP before approval and 23.4% were aware after approval; OR=0.99 [0.98-1.02], p=0.952). In a multivariate model, BMSM unaware of PrEP reported lower rates of HIV testing knowledge, fewer experiences with HIV testing, and higher rates of transactional sex than BMSM who were aware of PrEP. Our findings suggest that there is limited understanding of PrEP and that there is considerable groundwork that needs to be achieved in order to reap the full benefits of PrEP. The current findings call attention to the need to both prioritize and better understand how to strengthen the bridge between medical advances and community uptake.

Predictors of interest in taking pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men who used a rapid HIV-testing site in Montreal (Actuel sur Rue)

OBJECTIVES

The effective use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an HIV prevention strategy depends on its uptake by individuals at high risk of infection. Few Canadian data are available on interest in PrEP among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to identify predictors of interest in PrEP among MSM clients of a rapid HIV-testing site in Montreal's gay village (Actuel sur Rue).

METHODS

Data were collected using a self-administered and a community agent-administered questionnaire. Among men reporting at least one male sexual partner and visiting the site between July 2012 and November 2013, we aimed to identify sociodemographic, sexual and temporal predictors of interest in taking effective PrEP with logistic regression analyses (univariate and multivariable).

RESULTS

Over half (55%; n = 653) of the sample of 1179 MSM were interested in PrEP. Among the 14 variables considered in the univariate analyses, only (younger) age, (greater) number of sexual partners (in the past 3 months), being part of a serodiscordant couple (in the past 12 months), ever combining sex with drugs and temporal events were associated with interest in PrEP at P < 0.20 and were included in the multivariable analyses. In the multivariable model, only being part of a serodiscordant couple [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44-4.58], having > 10 partners (aOR 1.73; 95% CI 1.17-2.55) and responding after the publication of Quebec's interim PrEP guidelines (aOR 1.82; 95% CI 1.22-2.71) proved significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In this assessment of predictors of PrEP interest among Canadian MSM, partnering issues and the arrival of PrEP guidelines in Quebec (10 July 2013) were most closely linked to PrEP interest.

Planning ahead for implementation of long-acting HIV prevention: challenges and opportunities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Broad-based access, uptake, and dissemination of daily oral HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have been slow, despite strong evidence for efficacy. Effective and efficient implementation of long-acting HIV prevention products will require both analysis of the dynamics and determinants of daily oral PrEP implementation and identification of the distinct challenges and opportunities inherent in emerging technologies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence suggests the importance of addressing implementation issues at three levels: patient, provider, and system. Patient-level factors include targeted education and messaging, tailored supports to enhance acceptability and uptake, and effective strategies for promoting adherence/persistence and retention in care. Provider-level factors include engaging a broad mix of providers, while ensuring adequate training and support for patient assessment, counseling, and follow-up. Systems-level factors include optimal delivery modalities, resource allocation, and ensuring access to populations most in need of new prevention options.

SUMMARY

Formative social/behavioral research must be undertaken proactively to prepare for and address future implementation challenges and reduce the gap between proving efficacy in clinical trials and assuring real-world effectiveness. Conceptualizing new HIV prevention technologies as behavioral interventions at the level of the patient, provider, and system will be paramount to effective and efficient implementation.

Attitudes Towards PrEP and Anticipated Condom Use Among Concordant HIV-Negative and HIV-Discordant Male Couples

Since the July 2012 approval by the FDA of emtricitabine/ tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada) for use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV, its feasibility and acceptability has been under study. HIV-discordant couples are likely targets for PrEP but little is known about how this new prevention tool impacts relationships. We examined, among gay male couples, the acceptability of individual and partner use of PrEP and intentions to use condoms with primary and outside partners in the context of PrEP use. Data are from two independent samples of couples recruited in the San Francisco bay area and New York City-a qualitative one (N=48 couples) between March and November, 2011, and a quantitative one (N=171 couples) between June, 2012 and May, 2013. Data were categorized by couple HIV status and general linear models; chi-square tests of independence were used to examine condom-use intentions with primary and outside partners, by sexual risk profile, and race. Almost half of the HIV-negative couples felt PrEP was a good HIV prevention strategy for themselves and their partner. Over half reported that they would not change their current condom use if they or their partner were taking PrEP. However, approximately 30% of HIV-negative couples reported that they would stop using condoms or use them less with primary and outside partners if they were on PrEP or if their partner was on PrEP. A large percentage of couples view PrEP positively. However, to ensure safety for both partners, future programing must consider those who intend not to use condoms while on PrEP.

Inclusion of trans women in pre-exposure prophylaxis trials: a review

Trans women are at high risk of HIV infection. We conducted a review to determine the extent to which trans women were eligible for inclusion in and enrolled into pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) efficacy trials. Out of seven trials analyzing PrEP efficacy, we found that trans women comprised only 1.2% of one trial and 0.2% of total trial enrollments. Although an additional PrEP trial to determine efficacy among trans women may not be warranted, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of PrEP in this marginalized population, through observational and feasibility studies. These studies should focus on unique barriers that trans women may experience while obtaining access to PrEP, such as gender discrimination, transphobia, and violence.