Trends in emerging prevention practices in a sample of HIV+ gay men and other men who have sex with men in Puerto Rico

Current efforts to prevent HIV transmission and disease progression are based on biomedical strategies and combination of interventions. However, there is limited research about these emergent prevention practices among Hispanic HIV+ gay men and other MSM. We examined data from an ongoing health promotion research being conducted in a CBO that offers HIV-related services in Puerto Rico. The study, enclosed to HIV-positive gay men and other MSM, consists of the participation in a survey interview that includes domains of socio-demographic characteristics, HIV care, and willingness to use emergent prevention practices (HIV home testing, couple-based and internet-based interventions, etc.) among others. The mean age for the sample (N=88) was 37.6yrs and had been living with HIV for approximately 9.4yrs. Nearly a third (63.8%) have a regular sex partner, 89.7% are in ART and of those 53.5% have interrupted treatment during the last month. Knowledge about PEP and PrEP was very low, as only 18% of the participants recognized these as prevention tools. Participants evidenced high acceptability of emerging prevention practices.  Those who reported having a regular partner were less likely to consider using health services with partner (p-value<0.015). Prevention practices were also analyzed by age groups. Older men (49yrs+) were more likely to use of internet-based interventions (p-value<0.016).While participants seem to be willing to consider emergent prevention practices, there is a need for health promotion strategies to increase adherence to ART and educate about biomedical strategies. These interventions should be tailored according to age and relationship status.