title: Brief Report: PrEP Uptake, Adherence, and Discontinuation Among California YMSM Using Geosocial Networking Applications.
abstract: We investigated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, adherence, and discontinuation among young app-using men who have sex with men in California (N = 761). Approximately, 9.7% of participants had ever used PrEP; 87% of those deemed good candidates for screening (indicated by a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention risk index score ≥10) were not current or past users. PrEP use was associated with higher income [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 4.13; confidence interval (CI): 1.87 to 9.12], receptive condomless anal sex (aOR: 3.41; CI: 1.71 to 6.78), HIV-positive sex partners (aOR: 2.87; CI: 1.53 to 5.38), popper use (aOR: 3.47; CI: 1.96 to 6.13), and recent sexually transmitted infection diagnosis (aOR: 2.90; CI: 1.64 to 5.13). Some users (41.5%) wanted help remembering to take PrEP. The top reason for discontinuation was concern about long-term side effects (33.0%). Young men who have sex with men app users are prime candidates for PrEP, despite low uptake. Apps may be useful tools for PrEP information dissemination, adherence monitoring, and support.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Social Welfare, Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles, CA; †AIDS Project Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; and ‡Sentient Research, Los Angeles, CA.
authors.forename: Ian W
authors.initials: IW
authors.lastname: Holloway
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dougherty
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gildner
authors.forename: Sean C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Beougher
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pulsipher
authors.forename: Jorge A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Montoya
authors.forename: Aaron
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Plant
authors.forename: Arleen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leibowitz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002140:California; D003625:Data Collection; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D065129:Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D061108:Social Media; D055815:Young Adult