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. 2017 Sep 27;12(9):e0184014.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184014. eCollection 2017.

PrEP awareness and decision-making for Latino MSM in San Antonio, Texas

Moctezuma García  1 , Allyssa L Harris  2
Affiliations

PrEP awareness and decision-making for Latino MSM in San Antonio, Texas

Moctezuma García et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has been promoted among high-risk populations as an effective HIV biomedical intervention. However, limited research is available on the significance of culturally informed biomedical interventions for Latino MSM. A total of 159 self-administered Internet surveys were completed by Latino MSM ages 21-30 in San Antonio, Texas. The purpose of this research was to develop an instrument that measured Latino MSM attitudes and beliefs towards PrEP, identify associations between demographic factors and PrEP related factors and to suggest culturally appropriate strategies for the promotion of PrEP among the Latino MSM population. Research findings revealed implications for PrEP at the structural and individual level for Latino MSM. Structural level indicators emphasized the importance for raising PrEP awareness among Latino MSM in regards to PrEP related expenses, ameliorating stigmatization of high-risk populations, enhancing access to PrEP informed medical providers, and address mistrust of the government and medical providers role on addressing health disparities among Latino MSM. Overall, the findings for individual factors emphasize the need for patient-centered interventions for Latino MSM. Latino MSM currently on PrEP require supplemental resources to enhance PrEP adherence. Latino MSM not on PrEP require alternate options for PrEP delivery and/or cognitive behavioral approaches minimizing HIV risk behavior for Latino MSM concerned with PrEP toxicity, which may require non-biomedical interventions. Integration of Latino MSM currently on PrEP as peer educators provides a valuable resource for developing culturally informed PrEP interventions for Latino MSM. Peer educators are able to share their experiential knowledge of PrEP contextualized through cultural norms, beliefs, and values.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Latino MSM (N = 159) decision-making factors for taking (currently on PrEP) or considering PrEP (not currently on PrEP).
Fig 2
Fig 2. PrEP associated stigmas for Latino MSM (N = 159).
Fig 3
Fig 3. Latino MSM (not currently on PrEP) unwilling to take PrEP due to potential side effects.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Latino MSM (not currently on PrEP) perceptions associated with the government and medical provider regarding PrEP.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Latino MSM (not currently on PrEP) willing to take PrEP due to the required treatment regimen for taking PrEP daily, getting an HIV and blood tests every 3 months.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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