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Risk-Taking Behaviors and Adherence to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Users of Geosocial Networking Apps:

Hongyi Wang^1,2,3,4, Jing Zhang^1,2,3,4, Zhenxing Chu^1,2,3,4

¹NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.

Journal of Medical Internet Research

|October 14, 2020

Summary

Men who have sex with men (MSM) using geosocial networking (GSN) apps show lower pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence. Integrating eHealth into GSN platforms may improve PrEP use and HIV prevention among this population.

Area of Science:

Public Health
Epidemiology
Behavioral Science

Background:

Geosocial networking (GSN) apps are widely used by men who have sex with men (MSM) for partner encounters.
MSM using GSN apps represent a key demographic for HIV prevention interventions, particularly concerning pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Understanding PrEP adherence among GSN app users is crucial for optimizing HIV prevention strategies outside clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between GSN app usage and PrEP medication adherence in MSM.
To identify factors influencing PrEP adherence among MSM who use GSN apps.
To inform strategies for enhancing PrEP awareness and adherence within the GSN app user community.

Main Methods:

A multicenter, real-world study (China Real-world Oral intake of PrEP - CROPrEP project) involving Chinese MSM on daily or event-driven PrEP.
Participants completed computer-assisted self-interviews on demographics, GSN app use, and sexual behaviors.
A 12-month follow-up assessed PrEP delivery, adherence, coverage, and regimen switching, analyzed using generalized estimation equations.

Main Results:

Over 73% of participants used GSN apps, exhibiting higher-risk behaviors like multiple partners and condomless anal intercourse.
GSN app users demonstrated significantly lower pill-counting adherence (aOR 0.8) and lower PrEP coverage of sexual practices (aOR 0.6) in the event-driven group.
GSN app users showed a trend towards lower self-reported adherence (aOR 0.7) and were more likely to switch from event-driven to daily PrEP regimens (aOR 1.8).

Conclusions:

GSN app usage is highly prevalent among MSM, yet associated with increased sexual risk and reduced PrEP adherence.
The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions within GSN platforms to improve PrEP adherence.
Integrating eHealth solutions into GSN apps presents a promising avenue for enhancing HIV prevention efforts among MSM.

Keywords:

HIV/AIDS prevention MSM Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)adherence dating app geosocial networking app men who have sex with men (MSM)regimen switch

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