Test-to-PrEP: An Egocentric Approach to Promoting HIV Discussions and Resource Sharing in PrEP Clients' Social...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Epidemiology

Background:

• HIV prevention remains a critical public health challenge.
• Social Network Strategies (SNS) offer innovative approaches to disseminate health information.
• Integrating HIV self-testing (HIVST) with PrEP education can enhance uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and impact of a Test-to-PrEP social network strategy.
• To evaluate the relationship between social network characteristics and PrEP discussion likelihood.

Main Methods:

• A bundled HIV self-test (HIVST) and PrEP educational kit (Test-to-PrEP) was distributed via social networks.
• PrEP clients (n=100) distributed kits to their social network members (n=415).
• Multilevel analysis examined demographic and network factors influencing PrEP discussions.

Main Results:

• Higher network density and daily contact were significantly associated with prior PrEP discussions.
• Denser networks, frequent contact, and closer relationships increased the likelihood of PrEP conversations.
• The strategy demonstrated feasibility in reaching social network members.

Conclusions:

• Social network strategies are a feasible method to increase routine HIV testing and PrEP knowledge.
• The Test-to-PrEP SNS approach shows promise for expanding access to HIV prevention.
• Leveraging social connections can enhance HIV prevention and care accessibility.