Measuring PrEP Preferences within Vulnerable Military Populations Using Conjoint Analysis - PROJECT SUMMARY
When taken properly, PrEP effectively prevents HIV infection, and has been significantly associated with a
reduction of HIV diagnoses among U.S. civilians. Within the U.S. military, 1,890 military members were
diagnosed with HIV between the years 2013 to 2018, with an annual HIV incidence that has not decreased
during that time. It has been found that HIV tends to affect similar demographics between military and civilian
populations; namely members who are younger, black, and MSM. There is a critical need for PrEP scale-up in
this vulnerable population, yet key factors associated with PrEP access and HIV infection are distinct among
the military population and warrant exclusive assessments. The proposed cross-sectional study will be the first
to scientifically examine multi-level factors associated with PrEP use, interest, and preferences among at-risk
military MSM. These findings will provide insight into PrEP delivery factors necessary to optimize an evidence-
informed PrEP intervention tailored to the specific needs and preferences of at-risk military MSM seeking care
within a restricted healthcare context.
The first aim of this study is to identify the relationships between the information (PrEP Knowledge, HIV
Knowledge), motivation (anticipated stigma, prevention altruism, personal risk/safe sex practices, social/peer
approval), and behavioral skills (daily, on demand, navigation of disclosure) factors predictive of PrEP interest,
including preferences for and acceptability of PrEP among active duty military MSM. The second aim is to
determine sub-groups that would benefit from alternative PrEP delivery models among an active duty, MSM
military population using CBC analysis among the PrEP delivery factors. The proposed training plan includes
an overview of coursework and scholarly/research activities that will establish a solid foundation in nursing
science and subject-matter expertise related to the study, as well as specific experiences designed to refine
my expertise in research methods and statistical analysis. Aligned with NINR’s strategic future directions in
symptom science and wellness; the proposed study and training plan will provide an essential foundation for a
career in nursing research developing biobehavioral interventions that will promote personalized HIV-
prevention among a vulnerable population.
