HIV Risk Behaviors, Perceptions, and Testing and Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Awareness/Use in Grindr-Using Men Who Have Sex With Men in Atlanta, Georgia

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2016 Mar-Apr;27(2):133-42. doi: 10.1016/j.jana.2015.11.005. Epub 2015 Nov 18.

Abstract

Geosocial-networking smartphone applications such as Grindr can help men who have sex with men (MSM) meet sexual partners. Given the high incidence of HIV in the Deep South, the purpose of our study was to assess HIV risk and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and use in a sample of HIV-uninfected, Grindr-using MSM residing in Atlanta, Georgia (n = 84). Most (n = 71; 84.6%) reported being somewhat or very concerned about becoming HIV infected. Most (n = 74; 88.1%) had been tested for HIV in their lifetimes. About three fourths (n = 65; 77.4%) were aware of PrEP, but only 11.9% currently used the medication. HIV continues to disproportionately impact MSM and represents a significant source of concern. As the number of new infections continues to rise, it is important to decrease risks associated with acquisition and transmission of HIV by increasing rates of HIV testing and the use of biobehavioral interventions such as PrEP.

Keywords: HIV; gay men's health; men who have sex with men; preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Georgia / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Mass Screening / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Perception*
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis / methods*
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sexual Partners
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents