Abstract

Young adults experiencing homelessness (YAEH) are up to 12 times more likely to contract HIV than their housed peers. One important HIV prevention tool is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), though few studies examine YAEH PrEP use, particularly among those who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). This study surveyed 160 YAEH about sexual risk behaviors, knowledge about and interest in using PrEP, and facilitators and barriers to PrEP use. Chi-Squared tests assessed if participants varied on these factors by sexual orientation. LGB YAEH were more likely to have heard of and be interested in using PrEP, as well as report access to free sexual healthcare, counseling about sex life, and concerns about possible medication interactions if they became HIV + as important motivating factors for PrEP use. Straight YAEH were more likely to report concerns about PrEP protectiveness as important. These findings, though preliminary, have important implications for YAEH HIV prevention programs.

摘要

经历无家可归（YAEH）的年轻人感染艾滋病毒的可能性是同龄人的 12 倍。一种重要的 HIV 预防工具是暴露前预防 (PrEP)，尽管很少有研究检查 YAEH PrEP 的使用，特别是在那些认定为女同性恋、男同性恋或双性恋 (LGB) 的人群中。本研究对 160 名 YAEH 进行了有关性风险行为、使用 PrEP 的知识和兴趣，以及使用 PrEP 的促进因素和障碍的调查。卡方检验评估参与者是否因性取向而改变这些因素。LGB YAEH 更有可能听说过并且对使用 PrEP 感兴趣，并报告获得免费性保健、性生活咨询以及担心如果它们成为 HIV + 时可能的药物相互作用是使用 PrEP 的重要激励因素。直 YAEH 更有可能报告对 PrEP 保护性的担忧是重要的。这些发现虽然是初步的，但对 YAEH 艾滋病毒预防计划具有重要意义。