Stigma and Shame Experiences by MSM Who Take PrEP for HIV Prevention: A Qualitative Study

American Journal of Men's Health
Alex DubovLiana Fraenkel

Abstract

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake has been extremely low among key groups. PrEP-related stigma and shaming are potential barriers to uptake and retention in PrEP programs. There is a lack of literature describing PrEP stigma. In order to fill this gap, we recruited online 43 HIV-negative Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) who use PrEP. Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore their perceptions and experience of stigma related to PrEP use. Data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory and constant comparison techniques to enhance understanding of the lived experiences of MSM who use PrEP. The participants experienced PrEP stigma as rejection by potential/actual partners, stereotypes of promiscuity or chemsex, and labeling of both the user and the medication. They connected PrEP stigma with HIV stigma, generational differences, moralization of condom use, and inability to embrace one's own sexuality. These findings point to a need to develop tailored interventions to address PrEP-related stigma and shaming for individuals, health-care professionals, and the MSM community-at-large.

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Citations

May 24, 2019·American Journal of Men's Health·Michael S BoroughsConall O'Cleirigh
Dec 14, 2019·Monash Bioethics Review·Thomas Douglas
Dec 10, 2019·AIDS Education and Prevention : Official Publication of the International Society for AIDS Education·A Lina RosengrenLisa B Hightow-Weidman
May 27, 2020·Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes : JAIDS·Chukwuemeka N OkaforSteven J Shoptaw
Apr 2, 2020·Advances in Therapy·Kenneth H MayerDavid Malebranche
Jan 16, 2020·Journal of Homosexuality·Aleksandar KecojevicMariam Hammouda
Mar 8, 2020·Journal of the International AIDS Society·Jennifer VellozaUNKNOWN HPTN 082 study group
Aug 18, 2020·HIV/AIDS : Research and Palliative Care·Ayşe Elif Özdener-PoyrazJayoung Han
Jun 20, 2019·Journal of Urban Health : Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine·Ronald A BrooksAlejandra Cabral
Dec 18, 2020·Frontiers in Neuroscience·Hélène Donnadieu-RigoleLaurent Karila
Nov 14, 2020·AIDS and Behavior·Alex DubovBrian Distelberg
Jun 3, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·S Raquel RamosTrace Kershaw
May 18, 2021·Sociology of Health & Illness·Thijs ReyniersChristiana Nöstlinger
Oct 28, 2021·AIDS and Behavior·Anne E SundelsonKarolynn Siegel
Jan 29, 2022·Journal of Sex Research·Christine M CurleyLisa A Eaton

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