4208.0 - Relationship Dynamics, Casual Partner-Seeking, and PrEP Awareness among Young Men who have sex with Men: A Latent Profile Analysis
Session: HIV Prevention and Testing 102 - Poster Presentation
Authors: Erin Nicholson, Trace S. Kershaw, Sally Kirklewski
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Abstract
Introduction
Despite PrEP's effectiveness in preventing HIV, uptake among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) remains low. Factors like intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual coercion can hinder PrEP engagement, increasing HIV vulnerability. However, limited research has examined how distinct relationship experiences impact PrEP knowledge, uptake, and self-efficacy.
Methods: This study used data from the #MVMNT project, a longitudinal study (2019–2024) examining social and geographical influences on HIV risk among YMSM (n = 401) aged 18–34. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was conducted using indicators related to dating app use, number of sexual partners, concurrent sexual partnerships, sexting behaviors, and IPV.
Results
Two relationship experience groups emerged: Group 1 (83.3%, n = 303), characterized by lower app use (M = 2.98, SD = 0.50), less frequent casual sexual behavior (M = 3.89, SD = 1.24), and Group 2 (16.7%, n = 60), characterized by higher app use (M = 3.91, SD = 0.81), and more frequent casual sexual behavior (M = 1.13, SD = 0.92). Binary logistic regression models adjusting for age, ethnicity, marital status, income, insurance status, employment, and home ownership showed Group 2 had higher odds of PrEP awareness (OR = 5.86, 95% CI: 0.99, 34.78) and uptake (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.09, 4.37) compared to Group 1.
Conclusions
Results suggest that YMSM who engage more frequently in casual sexual behavior, app use, and sexting may be more aware of PrEP and likely to uptake, potentially due to increased exposure to HIV prevention messaging and higher perceived risk.