Raising Awareness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among Women in New York City: Community and Provider Perspectives

Abstract

This study explored the knowledge, attitudes, and perceived facilitators and barriers to adoption of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among black women and Latinas in the Bronx, NY. Data were collected in focus group discussions (FGDs) held separately with staff (n = 21) and black and Latina female clients aged 18 to 50 (n = 23) of four organizations providing health and social services. Participants were also asked to give feedback about four action messages regarding PrEP for a social marketing campaign. Transcripts were analyzed by two researchers using grounded theory. We found that the majority of clients (74%) and staff (57%) had not heard about PrEP before participating in the FGDs. Following brief educational messaging about PrEP, participants identified potential facilitators and barriers to PrEP uptake among women, and expressed enthusiasm for more widespread efforts to raise awareness about PrEP as an HIV prevention option. Participants preferred an action message that was brief, referred to PrEP as a pill, and did not mention condoms or STD testing. These findings demonstrate the need to raise awareness about PrEP among women and build the capacity of women-serving organizations to educate, screen, and refer or provide PrEP services.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Veronica Momjian, Daniella Martinez, Marcella Tillett, Sherrill Cohen, and Better World Advertising for their assistance with the project, as well as our partners who assisted with participant recruitment and all who shared their ideas with us in the focus groups. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.

Funding

This research was funded by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of HIV Prevention, through a contract with Public Health Solutions. Article content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funders.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of HIV Prevention, through a contract with Public Health Solutions. Article content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funders.