Abstract

Approximately 70% of all new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are among populations of sexual and gender minorities (SGM) and are primarily attributable to sexual contact. Currently, only 26% of the U.S. population who would benefit from HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are prescribed this effective biomedical HIV prevention strategy. Biomedical prevention strategies for bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI) like doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP), are a vital component to the successes of ending the HIV epidemic given the well-known association between STIs and risk for HIV infection. In this multiple methods study, we leveraged group concept mapping and conducted focus groups with identified stakeholder groups (e.g., SGM clients and primary care clinicians) to (1) Describe approaches from SGM client perspectives that facilitate awareness, uptake, and persistence of biomedical prevention (same day PrEP & doxy-PEP) in the primary care setting, (2) describe approaches from primary care clinician perspectives that facilitate awareness, uptake, and persistence of biomedical prevention (same day PrEP & DoxyPEP) in the primary care setting and (3) identify the joint priorities of clients and clinicians (high-feasibility and high-importance) for the integration of same day PrEP and doxy-PEP in primary care. The analysis revealed six distinct clusters representing critical aspects of how to effectively increase the use of PrEP and doxy-PEP specifically within the primary care context, and 49 strategies were rated highly for both importance and feasibility, emphasizing areas like providing non-judgmental information to patients about PrEP during routine visits, increasing SGM affirming clinicians, and providing a welcoming environment. Notably, an emphasis on educating health professionals on both biomedical prevention and SGM health needs emerged as a critical component. This research provides a framework for understanding and implementing biomedical prevention supports in the primary care space. Future research should focus on the practical application and continued evaluation of these strategies and biomedical prevention uptake in primary care.

Author Details

Nathaniel Albright, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, AAHIVS

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Type

Dissertation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Other

Research Approach

Mixed/Multi Method Research

Keywords:

PrEP, Doxy-PEP, Sexual Health, Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections, STIs, Sexual and Gender Minority

Advisor

Dianne Morrison-Beedy

Degree

PhD

Degree Grantor

The Ohio State University

Degree Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

None: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2025-10-09

Funder(s)

Sigma Foundation for Nursing

Full Text of Presentation

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