PrEP use and stigma among a sample of older adults in Columbus, Ohio

Despite older adults (age ≥50 years) continuing to account for 1 in 6 new HIV diagnoses, the majority of research has focused on young adults. Assessing PrEP use and stigma among this understudied population is key to achieving the U.S.'s goals of Ending the HIV Epidemic, a federal initiative focusing on reducing new HIV infections by at least 90% by 2030.

Data for this analysis came from the Columbus Health Aging Project (N = 794). This study was designed to assess several domains of health among adults aged 50 years and older in Columbus, Ohio. Multiple logistic and linear regression models were used to examine the associations between sociodemographic factors and past 6-month PrEP use, PrEP stigma, and concurrent use of PrEP and other prevention methods, adjusting for known confounders.

Overall, 93 (11.7%) participants reported past 6-month PrEP use. Transgender women (aOR = 6.90; 95% CI: 2.19, 21.72), cisgender gay men (aOR = 5.58; 95% CI: 2.49, 12.50), cisgender lesbians (aOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.05, 4.80), and those living with family members or roommates (aOR = 6.59; 95% CI: 3.49, 12.45) were each more likely to report past 6-month PrEP use relative to cisgender women, heterosexuals, and those living with a spouse/partner, respectively. Relative to cisgender women, PrEP-related stigma was lower among transgender women (β = -5.05; 95% CI: -8.44, -1.66) and higher among cisgender men (β = 1.96; 95% CI: 0.46, 3.46).

Future research should aim to continue developing a firm understanding of PrEP use and stigma among older adults to reduce HIV risk among this population and to understand unique needs of sub-populations of older adults.