2026.0 - Past healthcare experiences and their impact on HIV PrEP awareness and acceptability among black women in the southern United States
Session: Eliminated HIV Related Disparities - Poster Presentation
Author: Jaquetta Reeves
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Abstract
Background
Disparities in healthcare experiences and outcomes persist across racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. Medical mistrust and prior negative healthcare experiences have been linked to reduced healthcare usage and treatment adherence. We assessed associations between previous healthcare experiences and PrEP awareness and acceptability in Black women living in the U.S. South.
Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 491 Black women collected between March to June 2022. Participants identified as HIV negative Black females, residing in Southern U.S. Participants reported demographic information, past healthcare experiences, HIV knowledge and risk perception, PrEP awareness, and acceptability. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with PrEP awareness and acceptability.
Results
Participants included 491 Black women (Mage= 40.42 [SD=17.52], 77% single). 40% were PrEP aware and 26% willing to use PrEP. In adjusted regression models, women with higher medical trust [aOR= 1.43, 95% CI 1.04, 1.96, p = .026], higher negative healthcare stereotypes [aOR= 1.23, 95% CI 1.01, 1.50, p = .038], younger age [aOR= .98, 95% CI .97, .99, p = .002], and greater HIV knowledge [aOR= 1.11, 95% CI 1.01, 1.21, p = .027] had higher PrEP awareness. PrEP acceptability was associated with HIV worry [aOR= 2.34, 95% CI 1.42, 3.85, p <.001] and recent HIV testing [aOR= 2.04, 95% CI 1.25, 3.34, p = .005].
Conclusions
These findings reveal that prioritizing positive healthcare experiences through culturally sensitive care, clear communication, and reducing healthcare disparities will be critical to improve PrEP uptake as a preventative measure for eligible Black women in the U.S.