What are the key barriers and facilitators of pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV transmission use amongst men who have sex with men?

The number of cases of HIV in Salford is disproportionately higher among men who have sex with men (MSM), as is the case in the rest of the UK. One strategy that has emerged over recent years found to effectively reduce HIV incidence is the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an antiretroviral medication that is taken by HIV negative individuals to significantly lower their risk of contracting HIV if exposed. A qualitative study was carried out to gain an understanding of the potential uptake of PrEP amongst MSM, as well as any barriers to implementation of PrEP at a local level. A focus group was conducted with MSM participants at the LGBT Foundation based in Manchester. Six key themes were found, relating to barriers and facilitators of PrEP use: stigma, mental health, self-care, support, cost and points of access. Support for PrEP implementation on the NHS in England was found as well as the need for statutory organisations to address stigma related to PrEP use.

Lawrence Houstion is a Research Associate within the School of Environment and Life Sciences at University of Salford working on the development of a Care Farm in Salford that will provide an array of health and wellbeing benefits to the local community. Prior to this, Lawrence undertook an MSc in Public Health at the University of Salford, where he was awarded the Helen Prosser Memorial Prize for his dissertation. Since finishing his Master’s he has had the opportunity to work on various research projects, such as looking at the potential health benefits of providing smokers with a free e-cig ‘starter-kit’ and working on a NIHR-funded randomised controlled trial looking at the potential health benefits of height-adjustable desks in the workplace.

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