Willingness to Discuss and Screen for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Pharmacies Among Men Who Have Sex With Men

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Natalie Crawford, Emory University; Taynel Albarran, Emory University; Allison Chamberlain, Emory University; Roderick Hopkins, Emory University; Dorie Josma, Emory University; Joseph Morris, Emory University; Udodirim N. Onwubiko, Fulton County Board of Health
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-01-01
• Publisher: SAGE
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © The Author(s) 2020.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0897190020904590
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Pharmacy Practice
• Volume: 34
• Issue: 5
• Start Page: 734
• End Page: 740
• Keywords: health disparities; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; Male; Pharmacy; Humans; MSM; PrEP; HIV prevention; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Pharmacies; Homosexuality, Male; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; HIV Infections; health inequities; Sexual and Gender Minorities
• Research Categories: Biology, Virology; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Objective: To determine the willingness to discuss and be screened for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in pharmacies among MSM. Methods: Led by Georgia’s Fulton County Board of Health, this study surveyed individuals who attended 2 Atlanta-based Gay Pride events in 2018. This analysis was limited to those who identified as men who have sex with men (MSM) who were not HIV positive and reported never using PrEP. Multivariable regression was used to determine the correlates of willingness to discuss and be screened for PrEP in-pharmacy. Results: Most (69%) were willing to discuss PrEP with pharmacy staff and 61.35% were willing to be screened for PrEP in-pharmacy. Those who were interested in PrEP were significantly more willing to discuss PrEP in-pharmacy compared to those not interested in PrEP (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.65; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.11-2.48). Race was not associated with willingness to discuss PrEP with pharmacy staff. However, black MSM (BMSM) were less willing to be screened in pharmacies than white MSM, until we accounted for interest in PrEP (PR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09-1.48). Discussion: Pharmacies may be an optimal setting to expand PrEP access to reach racial minorities who have the highest need but are not being reached. Pharmacy-based PrEP discussions and screening could improve awareness of HIV status and increase PrEP knowledge and uptake. Future studies should determine optimal pharmacy conditions under which PrEP screening and uptake are acceptable for BMSM.