Biomedical Approaches and Disparities in HIV Prevention.

ABSTRACT

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant public concern, with certain groups disproportionately impacted. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2012. However, stark disparities persist in PrEP access and uptake, leaving those at highest risk of acquiring HIV without knowledge of, access to, and uptake of PrEP. Nurses play a key role in eliminating the causes of these disparities that occur at the individual, provider, and systemic level. It is imperative that we increase PrEP knowledge, access, and use, especially in groups most at risk for acquiring HIV.