Factors Associated with Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in a Highly Insured Population of Urban Men Who Have Sex with Men, 2014

In the United States, an estimated 25% of men who have sex with men (MSM) have indications for receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection (PrEP), but <4% reported PrEP use in the past 12 months. We evaluate factors associated with having heard of, willingness to use, and use of PrEP in a venue-based, time-spaced sample of 316 urban, highly insured Boston MSM in the 2014 NHBS. We found that 53.7% of respondents reported receiving usual medical care from a doctor’s office or health maintenance organization, 57.6% had an indication for PrEP, 66.6% had heard of PrEP, 53.6% reported willingness to use PrEP, and 5.8% reported use of PrEP in the past 12 months. In multivariable analyses, an indication for PrEP was statistically associated with having heard of, willingness to use and use of PrEP in the past 12 months. Findings guide statewide efforts to evaluate and promote PrEP.