Individual and Social Network Influences on Potential Use of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention Among Adult Black Women

Oral daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a single tablet that is \u3e90% effective in reducing HIV transmission among women. Despite evidence of PrEP’s efficacy and safety, levels of awareness, prescription, and uptake of PrEP among Black women are disproportionately low. There is evidence suggesting that the influence of peers and sexual partners in the social networks of Black women are potential facilitators and barriers to the intent to use PrEP. However, there has been limited study examining how these individual and social network level factors influence the intent to use PrEP in this population. This dissertation collected used survey data from Black women, aged 18-44, to conduct advanced statistical analysis, including social network analysis, to identify critical individual and network level factors that influence PrEP uptake. This study found strong associations between PrEP support from sexual partners and healthcare providers and intent to use PrEP in this sample. This study builds upon existing research on PrEP and women by contributing to discussions about the importance of social connections in making the decision to engage in PrEP care and services