Communication Strategies for Discussing PrEP with Men Who Have Sex with Men

ABSTRACT

HIV continues to be a pressing problem, particularly for men who have sex with men (MSM). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective means of preventing HIV infection, but adoption of it by MSM has been sluggish. Though there are many reasons for PrEP’s limited adoption, healthcare providers’ lack of skill in communicating with MSM likely plays a role. This study employed in-depth interviews with MSM who have adopted PrEP to explore how effective patient-provider communication surrounding PrEP takes place. Findings revealed that healthcare providers utilized five strategies to communicate with their MSM patients about PrEP. These strategies included (1) disclosure of identity and personal information; (2) knowledge of information that may be relevant to MSM patients; (3) positivity; (4) relationship inquiries; and (5) remaining calm. Employing the strategies uncovered in this study may be useful in improving communication between healthcare providers and their MSM patients and may help to increase MSM’s adoption of PrEP.

KEYWORDS:

• MSM
• HIV
• PrEP
• interviews
• qualitative
• communication
• health
• gay men

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.