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. 2017 Aug;4(4):310-314.
doi: 10.1089/lgbt.2016.0068. Epub 2017 May 17.

Culturally Competent Sexual Healthcare as a Prerequisite for Obtaining Preexposure Prophylaxis: Findings from a Qualitative Study

Kevin M Maloney  1   2 , Douglas S Krakower  1   3   4 , Dale Ziobro  1 , Joshua G Rosenberger  5 , David Novak  6 , Kenneth H Mayer  1   3   4
Affiliations

Culturally Competent Sexual Healthcare as a Prerequisite for Obtaining Preexposure Prophylaxis: Findings from a Qualitative Study

Kevin M Maloney et al. LGBT Health. 2017 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose: Men who have sex with men (MSM) experience stigma in healthcare settings, which impedes disclosure of sexual behavior, potentially limiting uptake of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The purpose of this study was to describe the context of this limitation and explore geographical variability.

Methods: To understand how discomfort in healthcare settings affects PrEP utilization, we conducted two online focus groups with geographically diverse samples of MSM.

Results: Respondents identified primary care providers as preferred sources for PrEP, but potential uptake was limited by barriers to establishing nonjudgmental relationships with these providers.

Conclusion: Improved patient-provider communication about sexual behaviors might increase PrEP use among MSM.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS; MSM (men who have sex with men); barriers to care; focus group; prevention; qualitative methods.

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Conflict of interest statement

D.N. is an employee of Online Buddies, Inc. J.G.R. provides consulting services for Online Buddies, Inc. K.H.M. has received unrestricted research grants from Gilead Sciences, Inc. and ViiV Healthcare and is on the board of the National LGBT Health Education Center.

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