PrEP-related stigma and PrEP use among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We aimed to explore the association between PrEP-related stereotypes and perceived disapproval (hereafter PrEP-related stigma), and PrEP use. METHODS: We used data from a cross-sectional online survey among adult gay, bisexual, other men who have sex with men in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada. Participants were recruited 2019-2020 in-person from sexual health clinics and outreach programs, and online through dating mobile applications and websites. We used logistic regression models to explore the relationship between PrEP-related stigma and 1-being a 'never' versus 'current' PrEP user, and 2-being a 'former' versus 'current' user. RESULTS: The median age of the sample was 32 (Q1-Q3 = 27-40), most were white born in Canada (48%), 45% had never used PrEP, 16% were former PrEP users and 39% were current PrEP users. Of 1527 individuals who started the survey, 1190 participants answered questions about PrEP-related stigma 254 (21.3%) were classified as having low level of PrEP-related stigma, 776 (65.2%) intermediate, and 160 (13.5%) high. No significant association was found when never PrEP users and current PrEP users were compared adjusted OR = 1.44 (95%-CI 0.8-2.5). High PrEP-related stigma was positively associated with being a former PrEP user compared to being a current PrEP user adjusted OR = 2.5 (95%-CI 1.3-4.9). CONCLUSION: PrEP-related stigma is associated with not using PrEP, particularly with PrEP discontinuation. Our findings indicate that stigma persists as a barrier to PrEP use.