Barriers to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Among Online Male Sex Workers in the US

Overview

Journal AIDS Behav

Specialty Infectious Diseases

Date 2021 Oct 27

PMID 34705151

Citations 7

Authors

Anne E Sundelson

Etienne Meunier

Eric W Schrimshaw

Karolynn Siegel

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Though barriers to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) have received substantial research attention, less is known about what factors may be affecting PrEP uptake among male sex workers (MSWs), a population at high risk of HIV. This paper presents qualitative findings regarding why a subsample of MSM engaged in exchange sex (receiving money, drugs, shelter, or other goods in exchange for sex) with partners they met on dating/hookup websites and apps had never used PrEP. Analysis revealed several barriers to PrEP uptake including lack of awareness and knowledge about PrEP, scientific and medical concerns, issues related to individual risk perception and beliefs/preferences about risk management, practical and logistical barriers, and provider-level barriers. Nuances to these barriers are discussed, particularly as they relate to the specific type of sex work participants were engaged in. Implications for interventions are also discussed.

Citing Articles

Facilitators and Barriers to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Uptake Willingness for Full-Service Sex Workers: A Social-Ecological Approach.

Ramos S, Du Bois S Sociol Inq. 2025; 94(4):890-909.

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Social Determinants of Health of Racialized Male Sex Workers: Scoping Literature Review.

Baez-Martinez S, Gallur-Santorum S, Castellanos P J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2024; .

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Sexual Health Needs Among Men Who Engage in Transactional Sex with Men in the UK.

Avallone F, Hickson F Arch Sex Behav. 2024; 53(6):2397-2404.

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Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of the "PrEPare for Work" intervention to enhance PrEP uptake and optimize adherence for HIV prevention among male sex workers in the U.S.

Biello K, Chan P, Ndoye C, Nelson L, Nelson E, Silva V BMC Public Health. 2024; 24(1):424.

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Perceived risk and condomless sex practice with commercial and non-commercial sexual partners of male migrant sex workers in London, UK.

Ruiz-Burga E F1000Res. 2023; 10:1033.

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