"I Don't Believe Testing is Everything:" Beliefs, Attitudes, and Experiences with PrEP, HIV Status Disclosure, and other HIV-related Issues among MSM in New York City

Issues: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to report that HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM), especially MSM of color. Description: To address this issue, three focus groups (total N = 26 MSM) were conducted in New York City during Summer 2010 to assess beliefs, attitudes, and experiences with pre- and post-exposure prophylaxes (PreP and nPEP), HIV status disclosure, and other issues. Over three-quarters (79%) were African-American- or Latino-identified, while 18% identified as other. Most men identified as gay (77%), followed by other (12%), bisexual (10%), and straight (1%). Most men (77%) reported being HIV-positive; almost a quarter (23%) reported HIV-negative or unknown status. Questions about emerging prevention efforts, like PrEP, and other relevant issues were asked using a structured group interview guide. Lessons learned: Half (50%) reported being aware of PrEP. About a quarter (24%) believed that PrEP may facilitate risky behaviors among MSM. In addition, over 50% were aware of PEP and agreed that it is a viable prevention option. Lastly, over 80% of participants agreed that HIV disclosure is important. Discussions revealed how disclosure is driven by situational context and how it contributes to HIV stigma. The participants reported passionate beliefs and attitudes about the perceived usefulness of PrEP, PEP, and HIV status disclosure. More importantly, they agree that services in their communities need to be improved. Recommendations: These results can be helpful for enhancing current HIV primary and secondary prevention efforts for urban MSM.