Individual and Health System Factors for Uptake of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Young Black and Latino Gay Men

Background: Young Black and Latino men who have sex with men (YBLMSM) have the highest rates of new HIV infections in the USA and use PrEP at lower rates than White MSM. Objective: To explore YBLMSM’s perspectives and experiences of PrEP use to identify factors enabling or impeding uptake. Design: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews conducted between August 2015 and April 2016. Participants: Black and Latino MSM, 18–20 years of age, who live, socialize, or work in the Bronx, and were fluent in English or Spanish. Approach: We used a thematic analysis to identify themes related to not taking PrEP and PrEP uptake. Key Results: Half the participants (n = 9) were currently using PrEP, a majority had Medicaid (n = 13), all reported having a PCP, all identified English as their primary language (n = 15), and all identified as gay. Salient themes included concerns over-side effects, stigma related to HIV and sexuality, mistrust of medical providers, provider’s refusal to prescribe PrEP, and insurance and cost. Conclusions: Modifiable barriers for PrEP uptake and persistence were reported by most participants, with an emphasis on PrEP misinformation and the pervasiveness of intersectional stigma, providers’ low awareness, and hesitant attitudes towards PrEP and barriers created by insurance companies. Supportive infrastructures for PrEP providers and patients are needed.