Understanding the Association between PrEP Stigma and PrEP Cascade Moderated by the Intensity of HIV Testing

Abstract

(1) Background: In the U.S., men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the majority of new HIV infections. On the other hand, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective strategy to curb HIV transmission, but it is widely underutilized. It is unknown how stigma affects PrEP care in the context of other HIV prevention strategies. (2) Methods: We included a total of 318 MSM in the current analysis. We employed bivariate and multivariable analyses to assess the association between PrEP stigma and PrEP cascade while controlling for potential confounders on each specific pathway. We further used a series of moderation analyses based upon the intensity of HIV testing within different timeframes to assess the association between PrEP stigma and PrEP cascade. (3) Results: Compared with MSM who used PrEP, those who never used PrEP reported higher internalized and vicarious PrEP stigma. Internalized PrEP stigma has significantly reduced the likelihood of PrEP willingness and PrEP uptake among this group. The trend analysis showed significant trend patterns across different frequencies of HIV testing. (4) Conclusions: A structural-level reform is urgently needed to turn the HIV service encounters into opportunities to facilitate and optimize the PrEP cascade among this group who may benefit from PrEP use.