Virginia Department of Health – TRANSFORM Toolkit

Featured Resource

CDC’s MMRW on Changes in HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Awareness and Use Among Men Who Have Sex with Men – 20 Urban Areas, 2014 and 2017

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Men who have sex with men (MSM) can reduce their risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by using preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) consistently. Increasing PrEP use is a principal strategy of the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.

What is added by this report?

From 2014 to 2017, PrEP awareness among MSM in 20 urban areas increased from 60% to 90%, and PrEP use increased from 6% to 35%. PrEP use increased in almost all demographic subgroups but remains lower among black and Hispanic MSM.

What are the implications for public health practice?

By routinely testing patients for HIV, assessing HIV-negative patients for risk behaviors, and prescribing PrEP as needed, health care providers can play a critical role in ending the HIV epidemic.