Ahmed CV, Dlamini A, Mbuyisa M
… +10 more, Simelane M, Gallagher D, Golos A, Donworth G, Dubner J, McLain L, Lowenthal ED, Rice BM, Brooks MJ, Buttenheim AM
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Aug · PMID 39189960
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Behavioral economics offers a unique opportunity to understand the social, cognitive, and psychological nuances that may influence health behavior. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the application of NUDGE,...Behavioral economics offers a unique opportunity to understand the social, cognitive, and psychological nuances that may influence health behavior. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the application of NUDGE, a novel behavioral economics and design thinking framework, to address barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence among adolescents living with HIV in eSwatini. NUDGE comprises five steps: (1) Narrow the focus to a specific target behavior, (2) Understand the context of the behavior through inquiry, (3) Discover behavioral insights related to the target behavior, (4) Generate intervention design features to address behavioral barriers to the target behavior, and (5) Evaluate the design features through iterative pilot testing. This article demonstrates the application of the Discover and Generate steps using qualitative data. In showing the utility of the NUDGE framework, we provide a practical tool for creating interventions informed by behavioral insights.
Carneiro PB, Carrico A, Golub S
… +6 more, Radix AE, Grosskopf N, Ewart LD, Dilworth S, Doblecki-Lewis S, Grov C
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Aug · PMID 39189959
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Our study assessed the association between methamphetamine (i.e., crystal meth, CM) use and awareness and interest in event-driven (ED) PrEP among HIV-negative and those with unknown serostatus cisgender males and transg...Our study assessed the association between methamphetamine (i.e., crystal meth, CM) use and awareness and interest in event-driven (ED) PrEP among HIV-negative and those with unknown serostatus cisgender males and transgender people. We performed log-binomial regression analysis to predict awareness (i.e., having heard of ED PrEP) and being interested in ED PrEP. We found that participants who recently used CM were less likely to know of ED PrEP (aPR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.69, 0.99]) but more interested in ED PrEP (aPR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.01, 1.30]), after accounting for demographic and HIV-related behaviors. Opportunities to expand PrEP uptake and improve adherence among individuals who report CM use are essential to impact the HIV epidemic significantly. Continued research on the needs and best practices to work with this community is needed to ensure a successful rollout and implementation of ED PrEP.
Salazar J, Lisha NE, Neilands TB
… +10 more, Ludwig-Barron N, Johnson MO, Cachay ER, Napravnik S, Crane HM, Moore RD, Fredericksen RJ, Mayer KH, Christopoulos KA, Sauceda JA
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Aug · PMID 39189958
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The HIV Index is a validated self-report scale of engagement in HIV care previously correlated with future retention and virologic suppression. However, its performance in a monoethnic Latinx population has not been stud...The HIV Index is a validated self-report scale of engagement in HIV care previously correlated with future retention and virologic suppression. However, its performance in a monoethnic Latinx population has not been studied. We evaluated the HIV Index among Latinx persons living with HIV in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort and performed multivariable logistic regression to estimate its association with primary outcomes of suboptimal retention (not keeping 100% of HIV clinic appointments) and virologic suppression (HIV viral load <200 copies/mL). The mean Index score was 4.5 (standard deviation 0.6) in both analytic samples, indicative of feeling well-engaged. Higher Index scores were associated with lower odds of suboptimal retention (OR = 0.12, 95% CI [0.03, 0.54], = .005), however, there was no association between Index score and virologic suppression. The HIV Index is useful for assessing engagement and retention among Latinx PLWH in routine care.
Chemnasiri T, Varangrat A, Wirtz AL
… +10 more, Decker MR, Okanurak K, Janyam S, Linjongrat D, Dunne EF, Mon SHH, Weir B, Woodring J, Hickey A, Beyrer C
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Aug · PMID 39189957
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Young transgender women (YTGW) who sell or trade sex have among the highest HIV incidence rates in Thailand. Using qualitative methods, we assessed perceived acceptability, feasibility, and optimal design of a combinatio...Young transgender women (YTGW) who sell or trade sex have among the highest HIV incidence rates in Thailand. Using qualitative methods, we assessed perceived acceptability, feasibility, and optimal design of a combination HIV prevention intervention including PrEP for YTGW. Key informant interviews were conducted during July 2016-July 2018 with 21 YTGW, aged 18-26 years, who sold sex and resided in Bangkok or Pattaya, Thailand. Grounded theory and content analysis were used for data analysis. Most YTGW interviewed reported high interest in HIV prevention research and believed participation in it supported sexual health. However, participants perceived HIV studies as complicated and time-consuming. Regarding PrEP, participants suggested more PrEP options beyond daily oral PrEP and expressed concerns related to perceived side effects of PrEP, including interaction with gender-affirming hormone therapy. Improving PrEP knowledge, being able to self-assess HIV risk, and reducing HIV/PrEP stigma could increase interest in research and PrEP uptake among YTGW.
West BS, Darisheva M, McCrimmon T
… +10 more, Zholnerova N, Grigorchuk E, Starbird L, Terlikbayeva A, Primbetova S, Baiserkin B, Mussina Z, Kasymbekova S, Cordingley O, Frye VA
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Jun · PMID 38917303
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HIV testing is the point of entry for linkage to treatment and prevention and is critically important to ending the HIV epidemic. HIV self-testing (HST) is an acceptable, user-controlled tool that can address testing bar...HIV testing is the point of entry for linkage to treatment and prevention and is critically important to ending the HIV epidemic. HIV self-testing (HST) is an acceptable, user-controlled tool that can address testing barriers, which is especially important for populations who need to test frequently, like women who exchange or trade sex for money or other needed resources (WES) and women who use drugs. HST is feasible and acceptable among WES, but research among WES who also use drugs is limited, particularly in places like Kazakhstan, where HIV rates remain high and where scale-up of HST and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is in process. To develop effective programming, there is a need to develop tailored services for WES and/or use drugs that address key barriers. We discuss opportunities to increase HST and linkage to services among WES and/or use drugs in Kazakhstan, with a focus on stigma reduction.
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Jun · PMID 38917302
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This analysis examined correlates of HIV testing among Asian immigrant female sex workers in massage parlors. We interviewed 69 Chinese and Korean immigrant women who provided sexual services in massage parlors in New Yo...This analysis examined correlates of HIV testing among Asian immigrant female sex workers in massage parlors. We interviewed 69 Chinese and Korean immigrant women who provided sexual services in massage parlors in New York City or Los Angeles County (2014-2016). Multivariable logistic regression results showed that participants who were younger, have lived in the U.S. for a longer period of time, had greater English proficiency, perceived higher HIV risk, or were living with an intimate partner were more likely to have had an HIV test. Disclosing sex work to a close friend was also positively associated with HIV testing at < .1. These correlates may reflect differential access to information, systems, and social networks that would facilitate HIV testing, highlighting the importance of reducing social isolation and increasing HIV education, especially for older women who have come to the U.S. more recently. As the literature has indicated that Asian immigrant female sex workers experience high rates of intersectional stigma, efforts to mitigate these intersecting stigmas could further these objectives.
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Jun · PMID 38917301
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Publisher ↗
Employment linked with social venues has long been described as permissive environments for excessive drinking, disruptive/aggressive behaviors, and overt sexual behaviors, which are known risk factors for HIV. Yet, our...Employment linked with social venues has long been described as permissive environments for excessive drinking, disruptive/aggressive behaviors, and overt sexual behaviors, which are known risk factors for HIV. Yet, our understanding of the extent to which workers in such high-risk work settings cope with the various risks therein is still limited. This study explored the coping strategies employed by workers at social venues. We interviewed 47 workers at 22 social venues through small group discussions (15) and in-depth interviews (10) in 2021 in Rakai district, Uganda. All discussions were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim before analysis. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. We found two main categories of coping strategies used by workers: acceptance of sexual risks and keeping safe. Acceptance of risks such as transactional sex was the most used strategy, hence highlighting negative coping. This calls for interventions for improving workers' coping efficiency and adjustment as well as interventions ameliorating the conditions underpinning increased risk of HIV at the venues.
Kuhns LM, Perloff J, Johnson AK
… +10 more, Paul JL, Pleasant K, Evans K, Denson DJ, Gelaude DJ, Bessler PA, Cervantes M, Muldoon AL, Garofalo R, Hotton AL
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Jun · PMID 38917300
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Transgender women are disproportionately impacted by HIV infection. We report herein the findings of a pre-post evaluation of the TransLife Care (TLC) project in Chicago, Illinois, on behaviors associated with HIV transm...Transgender women are disproportionately impacted by HIV infection. We report herein the findings of a pre-post evaluation of the TransLife Care (TLC) project in Chicago, Illinois, on behaviors associated with HIV transmission among transgender women. Participants who received any TLC component versus those who did not were compared using mixed-effects logistic regression with random intercepts across follow-up time points. Ninety-seven participants aged 18 to 59 (median age 24) enrolled; 76.3% were transgender women of color. There was a decrease in condomless sex without consistent PrEP use at 8 months, which was not significantly different between those who did and did not receive the TLC intervention, controlling for calendar time. Evidence does not indicate that the TLC reduces condomless sex without PrEP protection among urban transgender women. However, given the preponderance of evidence of the influence of structural barriers on condomless sex, future research should continue to test the efficacy of structural interventions.
Carlberg-Racich S, Rivero R, Wagner CMJ
… +6 more, Schechtman B, Alabduljabbar SA, Sherer R, Hasnain M, Gier E, Linsk NL
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Jun · PMID 38917299
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The Clinician Scholars Program (CSP) was designed to expand the HIV care workforce by improving the clinical capacity of clinicians in underserved areas. This evaluation assessed program participants' long-term practice...The Clinician Scholars Program (CSP) was designed to expand the HIV care workforce by improving the clinical capacity of clinicians in underserved areas. This evaluation assessed program participants' long-term practice changes and system changes. The year-long program combined mentoring, training, and on-site clinical observation. Qualitative interviews ( = 46) were conducted with Scholars at least 2 years following CSP, supplemented by a 2023 survey. Multiple coders analyzed transcripts using open coding. Thematic analysis explored practice changes and efforts to move patients along the HIV care continuum. Findings indicate positive long-term impacts of CSP regarding the HIV care continuum and care system engagement. Over 90% of Scholars remained working in HIV care, with 75% maintaining or increasing patient loads and 72% making changes to their clinical practice. This training model appears to enhance care along the HIV care continuum and may be adaptable to other contexts that address complex chronic conditions.
HIV-related stigma is a primary barrier to seeking HIV care. Online social media interventions utilizing peer-led approaches provide an opportunity to revolutionize HIV health behavior change. Secondary analysis of the U...HIV-related stigma is a primary barrier to seeking HIV care. Online social media interventions utilizing peer-led approaches provide an opportunity to revolutionize HIV health behavior change. Secondary analysis of the UCLA HOPE Study (6 waves) was done to examine the effectiveness of an online peer-led intervention in reducing HIV-related internalized stigma (IS), association between IS and sexual risk behaviors (SRB), and associated costs for changing the likelihood of HIV testing. Among 897 participants, an inverse relationship between IS (Discomfort with people with HIV, Stereotypes, Moral Judgment) and SRB (Number of Sexual Partners, Sexual Encounters) factors was identified over time ( < .05). Engagement in stigma conversations increased participant likelihood to request HIV tests ( = 0.02, Wald = 8.10, = .004) when made in group versus one-on-one contact. Innovative technology has potential to improve HIV-care efforts through expanded reach to at-risk populations, improved communication maintenance, ease of accessibility, and user anonymity.
The purpose of this analysis is to describe HIV tests and associated outcomes for Asian people reached by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV testing program. We analyzed CDC-funded HIV tests among A...The purpose of this analysis is to describe HIV tests and associated outcomes for Asian people reached by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV testing program. We analyzed CDC-funded HIV tests among Asian individuals in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (2014-2020). Of the 415,560 tests, the positivity of new diagnoses was higher among males (0.49%, aPR = 7.64) than females (0.06%), and in the West (0.42%, aPR = 1.15) than in the South (0.25%). In non-health care settings, positivity was highest among men who have sex with men (MSM; 0.87%) and transgender people (0.46%). Linkage to HIV medical care among Asian people was 87.5%, and 70.7% were interviewed for partner services. Our findings suggest that improvements are crucial, particularly for Asian MSM, in linkage to care and interview for partner services.
Although a significant amount of biomedical research has been conducted to study HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), there has been scant research done to assess the awareness and knowledge of this public heal...Although a significant amount of biomedical research has been conducted to study HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), there has been scant research done to assess the awareness and knowledge of this public health concern among middle-aged and older people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). Our qualitative community-based participatory research study sought to address this research gap by examining the awareness and knowledge of HAND among relevant stakeholders in southern Nevada, USA. We conducted 15 semistructured interviews with middle-aged and older PLWH to examine their awareness and knowledge of HAND and access to pertinent resources. After our thematic analysis of our interviews, we identified two overarching themes: (1) limited awareness and knowledge of HAND among PLWH, and (2) southern Nevada social determinants of health. Our findings underscore the importance of raising awareness and knowledge of HAND among PLWH through community-based education programs, and improving access to resources related to social determinants of health.
Kennedy CE, Yeh PT, Fonner VA
… +4 more, Armstrong KA, Denison JA, O'Reilly KR, Sweat MD
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Apr · PMID 38648175
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The Evidence Project conducts systematic reviews and meta-analyses of HIV behavioral interventions, behavioral aspects of biomedical interventions, combination prevention strategies, modes of service delivery, and integr...The Evidence Project conducts systematic reviews and meta-analyses of HIV behavioral interventions, behavioral aspects of biomedical interventions, combination prevention strategies, modes of service delivery, and integrated programs in low- and middle-income countries. Here, we present the overall protocol for our reviews. For each topic, we conduct a comprehensive search of five online databases, complemented by secondary reference searching. Articles are included if they are published in peer-reviewed journals and present pre/post or multi-arm data on outcomes of interest. Data are extracted from each included article by two trained coders working independently using standardized coding forms, with differences resolved by consensus. Risk of bias is assessed with the Evidence Project tool. Data are synthesized descriptively, and meta-analysis is conducted when there are similarly measured outcomes across studies. For over 20 years, this approach has allowed us to synthesize literature on the effectiveness of interventions and contribute to the global HIV response.
Hatch MA, Laschober TC, Ertl MM
… +4 more, Paschen-Wolff MM, Norman G, Wright L, Tross S
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Apr · PMID 38648174
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The COVID-19 pandemic strained the U.S. health care system, posing logistical challenges for community-based programs. This study surveyed 11 program directors in sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics and syringe...The COVID-19 pandemic strained the U.S. health care system, posing logistical challenges for community-based programs. This study surveyed 11 program directors in sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics and syringe services programs (SSPs) that served people who use substances and are at risk for HIV in five southeastern U.S. states. Brief survey questions asked about programs' use of in-person and telehealth services. Results indicated widespread reduction of in-person services and concomitant adoption of telehealth services. In STI clinics, telehealth replaced in-person visits for all but urgent treatment of active symptoms. In SSPs, in-person contact continued or increased from pre-pandemic volumes. In both programs, the most salient telehealth use barrier was limited device or internet access and limited technological ease. Services were sustained through innovative adaptations. This snapshot of response to the early COVID-19 lockdown phase offers actionable guidance about service preparedness for future public health catastrophes in community-based programs serving vulnerable populations.
Li LX, Lin JS, Tackett S
… +4 more, Bertram A, Sisson SD, Rastegar D, Berkenblit G
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Feb · PMID 38349354
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Prescription rates of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have remained low among noninfectious disease providers in the United States despite almost a decade since their introduction. For future primary care doctors, reside...Prescription rates of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) have remained low among noninfectious disease providers in the United States despite almost a decade since their introduction. For future primary care doctors, residency is the optimal time to build practice patterns around HIV prevention. We assessed baseline knowledge of PrEP in specific pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis content areas among internal medicine trainees who completed the Physician Education and Assessment Center HIV learning module between 2013 to 2020 ( = 12,060). Resident baseline PrEP knowledge was universally low; despite rising awareness of antiretroviral therapy for PrEP in successive years following the nadir of 41% in 2014, still only 56% of residents affirmed this means of HIV prevention by 2020. Knowledge remained limited regardless of academic year, local HIV prevalence, or training program type. Online module completion increased competence across all content areas. There is still a deficit in HIV prevention knowledge across U.S. internal medicine residents, suggesting insufficient education and exposure to HIV-related care.
Tapia Y, Saleska J, Gonzalez-Valentino O
… +5 more, Liashenko J, Stafylis C, Brown B, Brooks R, Klausner JD
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Feb · PMID 38349353
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Publisher ↗
Following the underutilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Latinx men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women in Southern California and the growing use of the delivery of PrEP through telemedicine...Following the underutilization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Latinx men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women in Southern California and the growing use of the delivery of PrEP through telemedicine, the California Department of Public Health implemented a telemedicine component to their already existing assistance program. We used the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework to identify and characterize factors inhibiting the successful implementation of the telemedicine program through in-depth, online stakeholder interviews and online community focus groups with Latinx MSM and trans women in southern California. Obstacles reported by stakeholders were complicated enrollment process, preference for in-person care, more appealing private sector models of PrEP, while community members reported low awareness of the program, fear of complications due to immigration status, challenges to fulfill enrollment requirements. Findings can used for the future improvement of the ongoing program, as well as other similar PrEP telemedicine programs.
D'Avanzo P, Shourya S, Brin M
… +11 more, Kaw S, Kay E, Batey DS, Radix A, Belkind U, Tanner M, Galindo CA, Ferrara S, Ott C, Ozoria Ramirez S, Schnall R
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Feb · PMID 38349352
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Cisgender men are diagnosed with HIV at a rate four times greater than cisgender women, with 71% of infections attributed to male-male sexual contact. Despite expanding accessibility, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for...Cisgender men are diagnosed with HIV at a rate four times greater than cisgender women, with 71% of infections attributed to male-male sexual contact. Despite expanding accessibility, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is initiated by only 30% of people with PrEP indications. Five focus groups with 42 young men who have sex with men from New York and Alabama were conducted to identify key factors to PrEP initiation and persistence. Thirty focus group participants completed a survey on demographics, PrEP choices and health care attitudes. Findings suggest provider competency significantly influences PrEP use due to stigmatization in medical settings. Participants noted benefits of PrEP including HIV protection and sexual empowerment, yet barriers like cost and side effects were prevalent. Our findings outline barriers and facilitators to PrEP use among young men who have sex with men in two high priority settings that will inform PrEP care updates in participating clinics.
Suarez S, Knighton-Black S, Mena C
… +2 more, Hutchinson-Hall A, Chacon G
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Feb · PMID 38349351
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Publisher ↗
In 2004, a national nonprofit established a capacity-building assistance (CBA) program aimed at bolstering the capabilities of health departments and community-based organizations in implementing and evaluating HIV preve...In 2004, a national nonprofit established a capacity-building assistance (CBA) program aimed at bolstering the capabilities of health departments and community-based organizations in implementing and evaluating HIV prevention interventions for racial and minority populations. Recognizing the need for a specialized CBA model to support HIV prevention programs, the program developed the Customized Holistic Analytical Networking Grassroots Evaluatory (CHANGE) approach. This article introduces the Prioritizing Intersectional Values for Organizational Technical Assistance (PIVOT) approach as a progressive evolution of CBA strategies tailored to the contemporary HIV landscape. PIVOT, founded on seven core values and focused on four key areas, is structured across three stages of CBA delivery. Effective capacity building mandates the CBA partners to be well versed in HIV organizational culture and capable of delivering strategies ensuring long-term sustainability. This article offers invaluable insights and lessons that inform the development and implementation of the PIVOT approach, drawing from two decades of service delivery.
Chan K, Mitchell MM, Casselle E
… +1 more, Bender AA
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Feb · PMID 38349350
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Publisher ↗
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for people who use drugs, yet uptake remains low. This study explores the acceptability and potential uptake of PrEP among partici...The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for people who use drugs, yet uptake remains low. This study explores the acceptability and potential uptake of PrEP among participants in an opioid treatment program (OTP). We conducted 26 in-depth, semistructured interviews with staff and patients at an OTP in Baltimore, Maryland. Overall, participants felt that providing PrEP within the program would be beneficial, but they noted competing priorities among populations engaging in high-risk behaviors and lack of willingness among groups with lower risk behaviors. Participants reported several barriers to PrEP use among people who use drugs and who use medications for opioid use, including cost, competing priorities, stigma, and misconceptions about who should use PrEP. Facilitators to PrEP use were described as health benefits, trusted relationships with providers, and existing resources in the opioid treatment program. Practitioners should consider addressing barriers to access and stigma within an OTP setting for HIV prevention tools.
Gordon J, Wongsomboon V, Alvarado Avila A
… +3 more, Lorenzo J, Mustanski B, Macapagal K
AIDS Educ Prev
· 2024 Feb · PMID 38349349
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Male adolescent sexual minorities are at elevated risk of HIV acquisition yet demonstrate low rates of PrEP uptake. Understanding the experiences of adolescents who have successfully accessed PrEP may inform ways to best...Male adolescent sexual minorities are at elevated risk of HIV acquisition yet demonstrate low rates of PrEP uptake. Understanding the experiences of adolescents who have successfully accessed PrEP may inform ways to best support adolescents seeking PrEP. Adolescent sexual minorities ( = 100) who reported utilizing PrEP responded to open-ended items asking about their initial PrEP experiences and advice for others. Qualitative analysis suggested that adolescents' ability to access PrEP is influenced by managing parental involvement and seeking culturally competent health care providers. Additionally, they reported how the benefits and drawbacks of taking PrEP played a role in their PrEP use. Findings suggest that educational PrEP interventions targeted at this population could improve uptake by incorporating discussions on side effects and mental health benefits associated with PrEP use. Structural interventions are warranted that improve adolescents' ability to seek sexual health care independently and make room for parental involvement when adolescents could benefit from their support.