WASHINGTON – A recent study has shed light on the preferences of Black sexual minority men regarding different forms of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The research, published in PLOS One, indicates a notable interest in long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP over on-demand PrEP among this population, which is disproportionately affected by HIV compared to other groups.

According to the study, the reluctance towards on-demand PrEP stems from the difficulty in predicting and planning sexual activity, making it a less appealing option for many. Conversely, LAI-PrEP, with its convenience and potential to improve adherence, was met with considerable enthusiasm.

the study involved focus groups conducted in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area between March 2022 and april 2023. Participants included current PrEP users, former users, and those who had never used prep. The aim was to understand their preferences for on-demand versus LAI-PrEP and the reasoning behind those preferences.

Of the 58 participants, a majority were cisgender men (90%) and identified as gay or homosexual (69%). Current PrEP users comprised 47% of the group, while 28% had discontinued PrEP and 26% had never used it. The findings revealed that 76% of participants were not interested in on-demand PrEP, citing challenges in planning sexual activity, concerns about unnecessary medication use, and uncertainty about its effectiveness.

LAI-PrEP Highly Accepted

“Programs to increase awareness and knowledge of LAI-PrEP among Black sexual minority men and health care providers that serve them are needed.”

In contrast, 82% of participants expressed high acceptance of LAI-PrEP, primarily due to its convenience and potential to address adherence issues associated with daily oral PrEP. Concerns were noted regarding fear of needles and the novelty of this mode of PrEP.

The study also found that individuals already on daily oral PrEP were less inclined to switch to alternative modalities, citing the perceived effort required to change their routine. LAI-PrEP was particularly favored by those who were not currently taking PrEP or had discontinued its use, largely due to the less frequent dosing schedule.

The authors of the study emphasize the need for increased awareness and knowledge of LAI-PrEP among Black sexual minority men and the healthcare providers who serve them. Ensuring that healthcare providers are equipped to administer LAI-PrEP is crucial for expanding PrEP access and reducing HIV incidence in this population.