Abstract

Making it work: Assessing feasibility and acceptability of a community-based PrEP delivery model among black MSM and transgender women

Brian Adams, MPH1, Jess Netto2, Daphne Beers2, Dalen Hooks2, Kenneth McDowell2 and Mackey Reuel Friedman, PhD, MPH1
(1)University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, (2)Project Silk, Pittsburgh, PA

APHA 2016 Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 29 - Nov. 2, 2016)

Introduction: HIV continues to disproportionately affect men who have sex with men (MSM), and black MSM in particular in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently estimated that current infection rates leave black MSM with a 50% chance of lifetime HIV infection. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been promoted as an effective biomedical intervention to prevent HIV. However, no community-based PrEP delivery model for young black MSM and transgender women currently exists. Methods: Project Silk, a recreation-based community health space primarily serving these populations, conducted a survey to assess interest in PrEP and the feasibility of an onsite community PrEP delivery model. Results: Personal acceptability: Of the survey respondents (n=95), 22.1% were potentially interested in taking PrEP (9.5% responding yes, 12.6% indicating they were not sure). 26.1% of respondents who indicated that they were not interested in taking PrEP also responded that they did not believe they were at risk for contracting HIV. Community acceptability: 52.6% of respondents indicated they considered PrEP delivery at Project Silk to be appropriate (43.2% responding yes, 9.5% responding they were not sure). Discussion: While the public health community continues to promote PrEP, we must be sure that the messages and delivery models diffuse to the communities at most risk. We will discuss how community needs assessments can inform the design and optimization of community-based PrEP delivery models.

Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs