A Study of Seeking Information about Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Risk Compensation Intention among Men Who Have Sex with Men

ABSTRACT

Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been an effective preventive measure against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission among the men who have sex with men (MSM) community. Many medical reports, however, show concern that PrEP users engage in riskier sexual behaviors after PrEP use (risk compensation), such as reducing condom use and acquiring more sexual partners. The current study examines MSM’s PrEP-related information-seeking and its relationship with their risk compensation intention if on PrEP. MSM participants portrayed their information-seeking about PrEP by reporting their frequency, spent time, most-used channel, and main takeaway. Results demonstrated that participants’ PrEP-related information-seeking closely related to their risk compensation intention. Among the information channels, participants who primarily use social media to seek PrEP-related information reported the highest PrEP use intention as well as risk compensation intention.

KEYWORDS:

• Behavioral disinhibition
• condom use
• HIV prevention
• human immunodeficiency virus
• risk homeostasis
• social media

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yadong Ji

Yadong Ji (Ph.D., Ohio University) is an assistant professor ofcommunication studies at North Central College.