Files and links (1)
Accepted (AM)Open Access (License Unspecified), Open
Journal article
Gay and Bisexual Men's Strategies to Maintain Daily Adherence to Their HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Medication: Results from a Qualitative Study
Prevention science, v 20(1), pp 168-177
01 Jan 2019
PMID: 30637602
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Since FDA approval in 2012, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been adopted by key populations, including gay and bisexual men (GBM), to reduce their HIV transmission risk. Given that PrEP is optimally effective when taken as prescribed, it is critical to understand the adherence strategies GBM use. We conducted one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with GBM taking PrEP in 2015-2016 (n = 103). Using thematic analysis, we identified six adherence strategies, with most participants (84.3%) utilizing multiple strategies to maintain adequate adherence: (1) integrating PrEP into part of a daily routine, (2) using a pillbox, (3) cognitive strategies/visual cues, (4) setting recurring smartphone alarms or reminders, (5) keeping medication on oneself at all times, and (6) partner or peer support for reminders and/or pill sharing. Overall, participants reported high PrEP adherence (M = 1.6 missed doses in the prior 30 days), though nearly all described missing at least one dose unintentionally in the past. Participants credited their high levels of adherence in part to the strategies they adopted. Providers working with GBM prescribed PrEP, especially patients reporting difficulties with adherence, might consider recommending any or all of the six strategies described in this study.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Gay and Bisexual Men's Strategies to Maintain Daily Adherence to Their HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Medication: Results from a Qualitative Study
- Creators
- Christian Grov - The Graduate Center, CUNYAnthony W P Flynn - University of Wisconsin–MadisonAlexa B D'Angelo - CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY, USAJavier Lopez-Rios - The Graduate Center, CUNYDavid W Pantalone - University of Massachusetts BostonIan W Holloway - University of California, Los AngelesJeffrey T Parsons - The Graduate Center, CUNY
- Publication Details
- Prevention science, v 20(1), pp 168-177
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Grant note
- R21 DA039019 / NIDA NIH HHS R21- DA039019 / NIDA NIH HHS P30 MH058107 / NIMH NIH HHS
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Community Health and Prevention
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000457420800017
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85060023030
- Other Identifier
- 991021894523104721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health