The Role of Knowledge in the Adoption of Prep by Black Gay and Bisexual Men in Ohio

African American men who have sex with men, who were disproportionally affected by the HIV epidemic, were the least likely to adopt PrEP when compared with other ethnic or racial populations not only in Ohio but across the United States. The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between Knowledge of PrEP and the adoption of PrEP for the prevention of HIV among African American Gay and Bisexual men in Ohio.
Methods: The association between preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) knowledge and the adoption of PrEP was examined in a sample of 123 self-identified HIV-negative adult black gay and bisexual men in the state of Ohio between November 2023 and January 2024 in a cross-sectional study. Age, the highest level of education attained, and the participants’ annual income were identified as possible confounders.
Results: A statistically significant and positive association existed between PrEP knowledge and the willingness to adopt PrEP, with a 271.2% increased likelihood of PrEP adoption per unit increase in knowledge after adjusting for age, income, and educational level.
Discussion and Recommendation: PrEP adoption has the potential to reduce health inequality for black gay and bisexual men. Implications for positive social change include policymakers and public health providers designing culturally competent policies and programs with consideration of knowledge; such policies and programs can improve the health and lives of this at-risk group of men.