Attitudes toward Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV Prevention: Implications for Sexuality Education

Stigma toward pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a significant barrier to its implementation and uptake, limiting its capacity to reduce the incidence of HIV. This cross-sectional survey study examines attitudes toward PrEP in a sample of 514 heterosexual individuals (N=318 in the United Kingdom, N=196 in Germany). Participants completed measures of HIV knowledge, perceived HIV risk, HIV fear, HIV stigma (prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination), homonegativity, trust in science and scientists, and PrEP positivity. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that trust in science and scientists and perceived HIV risk were positively associated with PrEP positivity, and that HIV stereotyping was negatively associated with PrEP positivity independently of the other variables. The results suggest that sexuality education should promote greater trust in science and scientists, challenge negative stereotypes of HIV, and raise HIV risk awareness to support HIV prevention efforts.