You Don't Want Your Parents Knowing That You're Taking Pre-exposure Prophylaxis: Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Stigma Among Black and Latinx Adolescents

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) stigma is an understudied barrier to PrEP uptake among Black and Latinx adolescents. U.S. Black and Latinx adolescents (13-17 years) completed an online survey or participated in focus groups/interviews. Associations between PrEP stigma, PrEP disclosure, and provider-initiated PrEP discussion preferences were examined using logistic-regression models. Qualitative data provided further context to quantitative findings. The survey sample included 208 adolescents (53% female; 58% Latinx; M = 15 years), with 98% endorsing PrEP stigma. The qualitative sample included 26 adolescents (54% female; 34% Latinx; M = 15 years). PrEP stigma was associated with lower odds of PrEP disclosure to parents/guardians, and preference for health care providers to initiate PrEP-related discussions only with patients the provider judged to be at high risk for HIV. Qualitative data supported quantitative results: Adolescents endorsed multiple negative stereotypes about PrEP users. Mitigating PrEP stigma among Black and Latinx adolescents is an important step in overcoming challenges related to PrEP uptake.

Automated summary

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) stigma is a barrier to PrEP uptake among Black and Latinx adolescents. A survey and qualitative interviews were conducted, revealing that PrEP stigma is associated with decreased likelihood of PrEP disclosure to parents/guardians and preference for health care providers to initiate PrEP-related discussions only with high-risk patients.