Perspectives of Young Men Who Have Sex with Men on PrEP Adherence and Peer Navigation: A Qualitative Study.

HIV incidence is disproportionately high among young cisgender men who have sex with men (YMSM), but YMSM are less likely than adults to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Among YMSM living with HIV, peer navigation programs have been effective in linkage to care and increasing medication adherence; such programs may aid HIV-uninfected YMSM in overcoming barriers to engagement in PrEP care. We conducted 32 semi-structured qualitative interviews at a community health center in Massachusetts, USA, specializing in sexual and gender minority health with four sub-groups of YMSM who: (1) had never discussed PrEP with a medical provider, (2) had discussed PrEP with a medical provider but declined a prescription, (3) were prescribed PrEP and have sub-optimal adherence (taking fewer than 4 pills per week), and (4) were prescribed PrEP and were optimally adherent. Domains addressed in the interviews included knowledge of PrEP and HIV prevention, barriers and facilitators to PrEP adherence, and attitudes toward peer navigation for PrEP. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis methodology. Multiple themes emerged from the interviews, including finding that perceived costs, anticipated stigma, sexual activity, and relationship status influence PrEP uptake and adherence; establishing pill-taking routines is an important adherence facilitator; and peer navigators could offer benefits for PrEP adherence.

Transgender and non-conforming persons' mental healthcare experiences: An integrative review.

INTRODUCTION: Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) people in the United States face disproportionate rates of mental health disorders, including suicidality, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders than the general population. Patients' experiences utilizing mental healthcare is a determinant in their care-seeking behaviors and treatment success. AIM/QUESTION: The purpose of this integrative review is to better understand the firsthand mental healthcare experiences of TGNC persons. METHOD: The authors sought to locate recent English-language articles that described the mental healthcare experiences of TGNC persons. To do so, only articles that conducted data collection with a TGNC sample were considered for review. RESULTS: Seven articles met criteria for review. Four themes emerged that depicted experiences of health promotion (welcoming environments, staff knowledge and response) and health prevention (enacted stigma, racial disparities and intersectional insensitivity). DISCUSSION: Themes indicated that TGNC persons have mixed experiences (excellent to harmful/damaging) when receiving mental healthcare. There is room for healthcare provider growth in skills to increase TGNC cultural competency. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Mental healthcare providers and nurses would benefit from interventions to promote TGNC culturally competent care, including in-service training or continuing education for the current work force as well as incorporating TGNC content into pre-licensure educational curricula.

Condom use philosophy and behaviors among young men who have sex with men: Variations among HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users and nonusers.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, sexually transmitted infections, particularly HIV, occur at disproportionally high rates among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective in reducing HIV acquisition. Reduction of condom use has been noted among adult populations of MSM using PrEP. However, less is known about PrEP and condom use among YMSM. PURPOSE: Our objective was to understand condom attitudes/beliefs and behaviors among YMSM in the context of PrEP use and nonuse. METHODOLOGICAL ORIENTATION: We conducted qualitative interviews between May and November, 2017 in Boston, MA. All YMSM were HIV-negative by self-report. We purposively sampled youth who used PrEP and those who did not use PrEP. Data were analyzed using content analysis. SAMPLE: The sample consisted of 31 YMSM aged 17-24 years (mean = 21.5 years). CONCLUSIONS: Young men who have sex with men provided rich descriptions of their condom-use philosophies and behaviors. Three themes emerged: 1) Different condom philosophies between youth who used PrEP and youth who do not, 2) Inconsistent or absent condom use by PrEP users, and 3) Similar condom behaviors regardless of PrEP use with certain partner types, if low self-efficacy was reported, and when sex occurred during periods of substance use and/or intoxication. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study provides understanding of YMSM condom decision-making process in the context of PrEP use or nonuse. Findings are useful to inform development and testing of individually tailored interventions for YMSM based on their personal condom-use philosophies and behaviors to improve risk reduction decision making, use of condoms, and PrEP.