Exploring the Perspectives and Experiences of PrEP-eligible Black Women in Texas in Relation to Readiness for PrEP Uptake and Adherence

Exploring the Perspectives and Experiences of PrEP-eligible Black Women in Texas in Relation to Readiness for PrEP Uptake and Adherence

The aim is to conduct two virtual focus groups (10 participants in each group) with 20 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-eligible Black women in Houston and Austin, TX. Participants will be assigned to focus groups with other women based on their position about PrEP uptake (considered use versus not considered use). Focus group questions will build on an ecologic model framework to inquire about participant's intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community-level factors that influence access to and use of HIV prevention services. This strategy aims to examine potential barriers to PrEP uptake among PrEP-eligible women in two Texas' hotspots.

Inclusion Criteria:

• assigned female sex at birth
• identify as Black or African American
• 18 years of age or older
• have had condomless sex with a cisgender man within the past 12 months
• fluent in English or Spanish
• have a phone or internet access
• not currently on PrEP and have never taken PrEP

Exclusion Criteria:

• choose not to identify as Black or African American
• unable to provide informed consent for participation (e.g. have severe cognitive impairment that would interfere with their ability to consent)
• have psychological distress that would prohibit them from participating in the study
• unable or unwilling to meet study requirements
• ineligible for HIV prevention services [i.e., Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Positive]
• received a prescription for PrEP within 12 months
• has a history of PrEP uptake or is currently on PrEP