A Pilot Study of PrEP Acceptance Among Young Black MSM

The study will occur in conjunction with standard clinical practice, which now includes offering high-risk YBMSM PrEP. If a person accepts this offer the person will be provided the service, but the person will not be asked to participate in the proposed study. Indeed, the study is designed for men who initially refuse this offer. Thus, for those who refuse researchers will offer study enrollment. For those who accept this offer and enroll, researchers will conduct baseline assessment and then randomize to I (intervention) versus C (control). Volunteers will receive the I or C condition immediately.

The intervention condition will be called MI-PrEP. This is a one-hour motivational interviewing-based, one-to-one session that will help YBMSM think more about going on PrEP. The control condition is a one-hour, theory-based, one-to-one session that will help YBMSM think more about using condoms consistently and correctly with every sex partner. This is the same program that is currently being tested at Crossroads, known as Focus on the Future. Both conditions (I and C) will include the provision of free condoms and lubricants - selected from a buffet of condoms and lubricants designed to offer men a broad selection of high quality products that can optimize the "fit and feel" of condoms during sex.

After receiving the I or C condition, researchers will collect extensive contact information for the volunteer and explain to the participant that researchers will make contact each week for the next 4 weeks, at which time researchers would like the participant to return to complete a second computer-assisted self-administered survey. Thus, approximately 4 weeks (but no later than six weeks) after study enrollment, the volunteer will return to the clinic for a second assessment. At this time, a second formal offer of PrEP by the clinician will be made (note: participants may accept the initial offer at any time up until this point). For persons accepting the offer of PrEP at this time, researchers will follow standard of care procedures and administer the PrEP. Nonetheless, this person will remain in study until 6 months has elapsed since enrollment occurred. At the conclusion of that 6-month period, blood will be collected to test for PrEP levels plus self-reported adherence measures will be collected and a follow-up computer-assisted self-interview will be given.

Inclusion criteria

• 18 to 29 years of age
• Identification as Black or African American
• Eligible for PrEP

Exclusion criteria

• none