The PrEParados Model: A Community-Based Approach to Engaging Preexposure Prophylaxis‒Eligible Men Into HIV Prevention...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Social Network Analysis

Background:

• South Florida is a significant hub for the HIV epidemic in the United States.
• Awareness of and access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are notably low in the region.
• Existing strategies may not adequately address the complex social and spatial dynamics influencing PrEP uptake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the development and implementation of the PrEParados model.
• To describe a novel approach for engaging adults in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services.
• To identify lessons learned from applying a spatially explicit, social network-based strategy.

Main Methods:

• Developed the PrEParados model, integrating social contagion theory with geospatial and social network methodologies.
• Collected data on participant characteristics and their friendship, sexual, and substance use networks.
• Employed a spatially explicit approach to understand network structures and their relation to PrEP engagement.

Main Results:

• The PrEParados model provides a framework for understanding and intervening in social and spatial networks related to PrEP.
• The study generated insights into participant characteristics and network dynamics influencing PrEP access.
• Lessons learned from implementation can inform future public health interventions targeting HIV prevention.

Conclusions:

• The PrEParados model offers a promising, data-driven approach to enhance PrEP engagement in high-epidemic areas.
• Integrating social network and geospatial data is crucial for effective HIV prevention strategies.
• Further research and implementation of such models are needed to combat the HIV epidemic in South Florida and similar settings.