Refining a Multicomponent Intervention to Increase Perceived HIV Risk and PrEP Initiation: Focus Group Study Among...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• HIV Prevention

Background:

• Increased pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake is crucial for reducing HIV incidence among Black sexual minority men (BSMM).
• BSMM often perceive themselves as less vulnerable to HIV and are less likely to use PrEP, necessitating targeted interventions.
• Existing HIV prevention tools like peer support and smartphone apps are typically used separately, but a combined approach may enhance perceived risk and PrEP initiation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore attitudes and preferences for a multicomponent intervention combining a smartphone app and a peer change agent (PCA).
• To inform the design of a culturally responsive intervention aimed at increasing perceived HIV risk and PrEP initiation among BSMM.
• To address limited information on how BSMM perceive and would engage with such a combined prevention strategy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized life course theory and the health belief model for a study involving 12 focus groups and 1 in-depth interview with 39 HIV-negative BSMM.
• Participants were stratified by age (18-24, 25-34, 35+) and discussed a mobile app for self-monitoring sexual behaviors and a hypothetical PCA.
• Key areas explored included perceived HIV risk, attitudes toward the app and PCA, and preferences for PCA characteristics and interaction styles.

Main Results:

• A majority of participants (68%) identified as gay or same-gender-loving and were interested in self-monitoring sexual behaviors via an app.
• Findings indicated low perceived HIV risk among participants.
• While app-based self-monitoring was seen as feasible, it could evoke internalized stigma; an acceptable PCA should be relatable yet maintain professional boundaries with clinicians.

Conclusions:

• HIV-negative BSMM exhibit mixed feelings about perceived risk and the effectiveness of app/PCA interventions for increasing PrEP uptake.
• Further research, including a pilot study, is needed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of this combined intervention on perceived risk and PrEP initiation.