Socioeconomic disparities associated with awareness, access, and usage of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis among Latino MSM ages 21–30 in San Antonio, TX

Abstract

HIV continues to disproportionately affect Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) and disparities are even greater in the South. This study examines the implications of socioeconomic status (SES) associated with awareness, access, and usage of PrEP. Latino MSM (N = 154) from San Antonio, TX, completed a self-administered survey. Results revealed that PrEP uptake was significantly lower for low SES Latino MSM. PrEP related barriers included lack of awareness, stigmas, and side effects. Findings underscore the importance for a multisystemic approach to enhance awareness and access of PrEP for Latino MSM with varying levels of SES in the South.

Keywords:

• ethnic MSM
• HIV prevention
• Latino
• PrEP

Disclosure statement

Authors would like to disclose that there is no existing conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health grant #5R25MH087217-08. This work was partially supported by NIMH under grant 2R25MH087217-06 and an internal grant from Texas State University.