Earlier this year, AIDS Free Pittsburgh (AFP), an initiative of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation dedicated to ending the HIV epidemic in Allegheny County by 2030, published the results of its latest PrEP Awareness Survey, which was designed and fielded in partnership with Campos.
One of AFP’s goals is to grow awareness of and access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a pill or injection used to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Clinical trials show PrEP is safe and effective, and AFP sees it as a “tool critical to ending the HIV epidemic.”
Campos worked closely with the AFP team to design a survey and sampling plan that would allow us to explore awareness and perceptions of PrEP for all adults in Allegheny County and, importantly, for key subgroups, such as men who have sex with men, people with multiple sexual partners, and trans individuals. Our survey also identified barriers to accessing PrEP as well as to adhering to it once prescribed.
First, we surveyed a representative sample of adults in Allegheny County online. Then, we partnered with AFP to collect additional sample via in-person intercepts with people who are most impacted by HIV. This allowed AFP to understand PrEP awareness among adults in Allegheny County, as well as among key subgroups in particular.
AFP’s robust report detailed key findings, concluding:
Despite high familiarity among various key subgroups at higher risk, PrEP recommendations and PrEP use remained concerningly low. These data indicate the need for community education on options, risk, and how to access PrEP, as well as provider level education in identifying those who could benefit most from PrEP. Furthermore, combating stigma associated with HIV and PrEP use and other barriers to PrEP use among these subgroups continues to be a critical aspect of improving comfortability in asking for and taking PrEP.
The organization is now leveraging the research to create PrEP awareness campaigns and education materials for Allegheny County residents. You can read the full report and learn more about AFP’s important work here.
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