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Perceptions of Long-Acting Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender
Haoyi Wang1,2, Johann Kolstee1, Julio Croce Martinez1
1Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
|September 12, 2025
Summary
Long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (LA-PrEP) is generally viewed positively by men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans* individuals in Europe, offering empowerment and convenience. However, some concerns exist, necessitating tailored communication strategies for optimal uptake.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- HIV Prevention Research
- Qualitative Research Methods
Background:
- Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for HIV prevention but faces accessibility challenges in Europe.
- Long-acting PrEP (LA-PrEP) is a new option recently approved in Europe.
- Limited qualitative data exists on perceptions of LA-PrEP among key populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore perceptions of LA-PrEP among men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans* individuals across 20 European countries.
- To provide the first large-scale qualitative insights into how these populations view LA-PrEP.
- To identify factors influencing LA-PrEP acceptance and intention to use.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of open-ended survey responses from 3123 HIV-negative MSM and trans* individuals.
- Utilized word clouds for initial insights and structural topic modeling for in-depth analysis.
- Examined perceptions across socioeconomic status, migration, oral PrEP use, and affordability.
Main Results:
- Generally positive associations with LA-PrEP, emphasizing safety, freedom, and convenience.
- Empowerment emerged as the most prominent theme (28.1%), followed by safety (21%), convenience/reliability (16%), and peace of mind (15%).
- Concerns and uncertainties represented 20% of responses; perceptions varied based on oral PrEP use and country-specific access.
Conclusions:
- MSM and trans* individuals in Europe hold generally positive views on LA-PrEP, indicating potential for good acceptance.
- A segment of the population may be hesitant, highlighting the need for tailored HIV prevention strategies.
- Effective communication strategies are crucial for informed decision-making and maximizing LA-PrEP implementation in Europe.
