ABSTRACT
Context
In Atlanta, Georgia Black women account for most of new HIV diagnoses among women and 30% of Black women may benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Yet their PrEP knowledge, awareness, and access are low.
Methods
This study centers the voices of an economically diverse sample of 22 Black women—annual incomes from $0 to greater than $150,000—to explore their perspectives about PrEP. After consenting, women engaged in focus groups (n = 6). Rapid qualitative analysis was used to identify themes.
Results
Participants indicated that there was low percieved appropriateness of PrEP among Black women; expressed that Black women desired PrEP; emphasized the importance of providers’ recommendations in PrEP decision-making; and identified stigma, racial bias, cost, and side effects as PrEP access and initiation barriers. Most women indicated a preference for injectable PrEP.
Conclusion
Marketing that appeals to Black women; efforts that address the cost of PrEP; and PrEP education for clinicians may increase PrEP awareness, access, and uptake among Black women.