Via Research Recognition Day Program VCOM-Carolinas 2025

Clinical Educational Research

Using 28 complete survey responses for data analysis, the corresponding tables indicate significant barriers and limitations to PrEP usage . Further analysis of the data shows the following statistically significant correlations: • Those of a low socioeconomic background were found to believe that a physician would treat them differently when asking for PrEP as opposed to those coming from a high socioeconomic background ( p=0.04 ) • Individuals not currently taking PrEP were found to express a need for assistance in finding a healthcare provider willing to prescribe it in their area ( p=0.03 ) • People of color were more likely to wish their primary care providers would engage more in conversations about their HIV risks and discuss available prevention options, including PrEP ( p=0.03 ) A survey conducted on the education and awareness of PrEP in Upstate South Carolina revealed significant barriers to its use and access among rural populations in the region. To strengthen future studies, expanding the sample size would provide more robust data and offer deeper insights into the specific barriers to PrEP access. Additionally, we aim to broaden the scope to include a larger and more diverse population, particularly to better understand potential PrEP barriers among non-MSM individuals.

Figure 2 : Participant’s Use of PrEP

Figure 1 : Participant’s Sexual Orientation

Study Design, Intervention, & Proposed Outcomes • A convenience sample of MSM residing in the Upstate region of SC completed a survey with questions regarding their sexual history, personal use of PrEP, perceptions about the use and obtainment of PrEP, as well as basic demographics. Statistical Approach • Demographics of respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics . • Perceptions of and the use of PrEP was analyzed via Pearson Correlation Test Statistics through R, a statistical software package. This allowed for the direct analysis of strength between variables. Pre-exposure prophylaxis ( PrEP ) is an HIV prevention strategy involving the use of antiretroviral medications by HIV-negative individuals at high risk of HIV infection. In South Carolina specifically, it was found that of the 10,249 individuals eligible to take PrEP, only 11.7% are actually receiving the medication 1 . In this study, we aim to identify the most common barriers to PrEP amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) living in the Upstate region of SC, in the hopes that local health departments & medical organizations may use this information to optimize their PrEP campaigns & contribute to the ongoing efforts of reducing the number of new HIV infections in the region.

Table 1: Barriers to PrEP use (%)

Experienced Personally

Seen Through Friends & Family

Seen Through Social Media

I Have Not Seen This Barrier

There are easier ways to avoid HIV

I cannot afford to be on PrEP

Others would avoid me

My family would think less of me

My doctor would treat me different

People would think I have HIV

My friends would think less of me

Table 2: Factors that would increase PrEP use (%)

Less likely to start PrEP

Would not change PrEP likelihood

More likely to start PrEP

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HIV Prevention: South Carolina. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/policies/profiles/cdc-hiv-south-carolina-PrEP.pdf

area

promoting PrEP useage

General

A guide to going on PrEP

A guide to

hookup app PrEP awareness

An online HIV risk calculator

information

Public speaking about PrEP

PCP on my HIV risk A provider

explaining how PrEP works

A healthcare

Assistance in

finding a provider Assistance in

Social media &

A short wait time to obtain PrEP

providers in my

provider explaining the risks of PrEP

A publicity plan

finding public PrEP access program

Guidance from a

2025 Research Recognition Day

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