Lee Joshua Melo
Social barriers to pre-exposure prophylaxis access and use within sexual and gender minorities in the UK
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a biomedical tool taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent HIV transmission. (1) HIV prevalence is disproportionately high for transwomen and Afro-Caribbean men who have sex with men (ACMSM). (2,3) This suggests that maximising PrEP uptake could be fundamental in curbing HIV prevalence, thus social barriers inhibiting its uptake warrant a deep understanding. The aim of this critical inquiry is to develop an understanding of PrEP social barriers faced by ACMSM and transwomen in the United Kingdom (UK).
The following databases were used for this critical inquiry: JSTOR, PubMed, and Web of Science. Out of the 30 studies identified as relevant, 10 studies were included in the review. This critical review was accepted for publication by the British Student Doctor Journal on the 10th April 2021.
PrEP social barriers identified include: stigma, insufficient awareness, non-adherence, and suboptimal patient-provider relationships. (4-12) Social barriers to PrEP uptake are enhanced amongst ACMSM and transwomen due to intersectionality. Continued training on intersectionality and sexual and gender minorities (SGM) health are essential for enhancing patient-PrEP provider relationship, boosting PrEP uptake, and reducing discrimination from sexual health services. (14)
References:
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