Optimizing access to PrEP based on MSM preferences: results of a discrete choice experiment

Despite documented effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), PrEP uptake remains low among men who have sex with men (MSM), the population bearing the highest HIV burden in the U.S.

To elicit MSM stakeholder preferences in order to inform program development aimed at improving uptake of PrEP.

554 MSM were recruited through social networking applications to complete a stated preference [choice-based conjoint (CBC)] survey. Respondents completed 14 choice tasks presenting experimentally varied combinations of five attributes related to PrEP administration (dosing frequency, dispensing venue, prescription practices, adherence support, and costs). Latent class analysis was used to estimate the relative importance of each attribute and preferences across seven possible PrEP delivery programs.

Preferences clustered into five groups. PrEP affordability was the most influential attribute across groups, followed by dosing strategy. Only one group liked daily and on-demand PrEP equally (n = 74) while the other four groups disliked the on-demand intermittent option. Monthly injectable PrEP is preferred by two (n = 210) out of the five groups, including young MSM. Two groups (n = 267) were willing to take PrEP across all the hypothetical programs. One group (n = 183) almost exclusively considered costs in their decision-making. Participants in the most racially diverse among groups (n = 88) had a very low level of interest in PrEP initiation.

Our data suggest that PrEP uptake will be maximized by making daily PrEP affordable to MSM and streamlining PrEP consultation visits for young MSM. Young MSM should be prioritized for injectable PrEP when it becomes available. A successful PrEP program will spend resources on removing structural barriers to PrEP access and educating MSM of color, and will emphasize protection of privacy to maximize uptake among rural/suburban MSM.