HIV prevention for underserved men who have sex with men: a community-based mixed methods exploration of access needs and preferences

Oral HIV prevention medications are highly effective and available at no-cost to clinically eligible patients in British Columbia. Men who have sex with men (MSM) remain a key population at a higher risk of HIV infection. However, studies suggest that certain sub-groups of MSM who would benefit from these medications are currently underserved. For example, MSM who identify as bisexual or heterosexual may be especially unlikely to use oral HIV prevention medications, leaving them and their sexual partners at higher HIV risk. Through analysis of community health survey data and one-to-one interviews with MSM in BC, my project will identify barriers to using PrEP among underserved MSM. I will explore their opinions about and preferences for different forms of HIV prevention, including oral and long-acting injectable forms of these medications. My research will help healthcare providers, community organizations and public health bodies to better understand the HIV prevention needs of underserved MSM. It will enable them to reach underserved MSM with information about ideal HIV prevention options, and to improve HIV prevention among this population, reducing the burden of HIV for these men and their partners.