Publication Date

Spring 2018

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Alice Butzlaff

Second Advisor

Edward Brooks

Third Advisor

Philip Grant

Keywords

HIV prevention, Pre-exposure prophylaxis, AIDS, HIV, Public health

Abstract

In 2012, emtricitabine/tenofovir was the only Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) used in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention. To date, there is little research on open-label and mixed-payer characteristics supporting medication compliance of men who have sex with men (MSM). The purpose of this research was to describe individual demographic variables associated with PrEP medication adherence and to examine the effect of a follow-up phone call from a nurse once a month for 3 months. A total of 30 MSM were recruited and data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, medication adherence tool and follow-up phone calls. Data were analyzed using a statistical package. Spearman’s rho correlations demonstrated high medication adherence in single men (rs (28) = −.375, p < .05) with no mental health issues (rs (28) = .426, p < .05) and a higher educational level (rs (28) = −.431, p < .05). A between group Chi-square demonstrated men with high medication adherence and medium medication adherence did not statistically differ over 3 months (χ2 (2, N = 28) = .668, p = .71). Individuals who exhibited higher PrEP use in an open-label and mixed-payer structure appeared to be young, single, well educated, and employed Caucasian gay males with multiple partners. More information will be needed from ethnically diverse populations, especially non-Caucasians. Finally, clinical nurses, by supplying accountability by phone calls, could improve PrEP compliance by providing planned monthly reminders.

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.