Abstract
Long-acting injectable (LAI) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has the potential to facilitate adherence and transform HIV prevention. However, little LAI PrEP research has occurred among women, who face unique barriers. We conducted 30 in-depth interviews with HIV-negative women from 2017–2018 across six sites (New York; Chicago; San Francisco; Atlanta; Washington, DC; Chapel Hill) of the Women’s Interagency HIV Study. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Few women expressed interest in PrEP and when prompted to choose a regimen, 55% would prefer LAI, 10% daily pills, and 33% said they would not take PrEP regardless of formulation. Perceived barriers included: (1) the fear of new—and perceived untested—injectable products and (2) potential side effects (e.g., injection-site pain, nausea). Facilitators included: (1) believing shots were more effective than pills; (2) ease and convenience; and (3) confidentiality. Future studies should incorporate women’s LAI PrEP-related experiences to facilitate uptake.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 667-678 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | AIDS and behavior |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2021 |
Keywords
- AIDS
- HIV
- Long-acting injectable (LAI)
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
- Prevention
- Qualitative research
- Women
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases