Best practices for identifying men who have sex with men for corrections-based pre-exposure prophylaxis provision

Abstract

Abstract Purpose Men who have sex with men (MSM) who are incarcerated are at increased risk for HIV acquisition, yet there are challenges associated with disclosing sexual identity/orientation among people who are incarcerated. Methods The current study used semi-structured, qualitative interviews to explore attitudes and awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among 26 MSM who were incarcerated at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. Results Participants noted variable levels of willingness to disclose sexual identity/orientation. Conclusions CJ institutions should consider involving medical staff and outside agencies when using the CDC PrEP guidelines or consider a WHO-based, rather than behavior-based, approach to determining candidacy for PrEP.

Keywords

• Incarceration
• HIV
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis
• Qualitative research