Attitudes Among Men and Women Regarding Pre-exposure Prophylaxis to Prevent HIV Acquisition in an Urban HIV-Prevalent Setting in the United States

Background. The use of antiretroviral agents to prevent HIV acquisition, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for persons at risk for acquiring HIV. While studies have shown the importance of adherence for optimal efficacy, there are limited data on the attitudes among US men and women towards the use and perceived benefits of PrEP. Key Results of Survey *All p-values for differences between men and women >0.1 unless otherwise noted. Methods. An anonymous English language survey was distributed to a convenience sample of male and female patients ≥18 years of age who attended a general medicine clinic in Newark, New Jersey, an urban area with 2.1% HIV prevalence. Survey responses were analyzed using SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) and proportions were compared using χ2 tests. Results. Of 175 subjects approached to complete the survey, 72 (41%) declined (63% not interested, 31% Spanish speaking only). Of the 103 respondents, 57% were female, 73% were > 35 years old and 66% were black. Sixty-seven percent reported they had never had a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The majority (89% of women and 68% of men) had been tested for HIV though most (83% of women and 77% of men) felt their risk of acquiring an STI including HIV was low. In general, attitudes towards PrEP did not differ greatly among men and women (table). Conclusion. In an HIV-prevalent urban setting in the United States, few men or women attending a general medicine clinic had heard of PrEP. Although most felt their risk for HIV acquisition was low, 45% responded that they would be interested in PrEP. Our data suggest that most identified barriers to using PrEP could be addressed though effective patient education programs. Surprisingly, cost was not a major perceived barrier to using PrEP. Disclosures. S. Hodder, Gilead: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee. Viiv: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee. Janssen: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee. Bristol-Myers Squibb: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee.