Date of Conferral

2015

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Rodney Lemery

Abstract

Recent multicenter, randomized, double blind clinical trials have shown no association between HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and increased sexual risk behavior among high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM). However, little research has been conducted under natural conditions devoid of clinical trial controlled environment to confirm the lack of association between PrEP and increased sexual risk behavior. Also, research has shown conflicting associations between sociodemographic characteristics and sexual risk behavior among MSM. In this cross-sectional, web-based, primary data analysis, MSM who reside in United States of America (USA) and who make use of PrEP for HIV prevention were examined to determine and explain the relationship between PrEP and sexual risk behavior using the theory of health belief model. Also, the relationship between social demographic factors and sexual risk behavior among MSM was examined. The data were analyzed using logistic regression and the findings showed that the adoption of PrEP for HIV prevention did not significantly increase sexual risk behavior among PrEP users. Also, the findings demonstrated that all the social groups of MSM examined such as race, age, education, income, employment status, health access and alcohol/drugs were not associated with risky sexual behavior. However, MSM who had full-time employment and those who were unable to work for health reasons were more likely to adopt PrEP for HIV prevention. The results from this study may help in the design of effective HIV prevention program for MSM and subsequently lead to healthy social interaction, respect and friendship between MSM and the larger society.

Download

Share

 
COinS