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Background: Black and Latino MSM continue to be at high risk for HIV infection, and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an efficacious prevention method for these men. Other studies found minority MSM may be more likely to believe HIV/AIDS conspiracy theories. This analysis examines the association of HIV conspiracy beliefs with knowledge about PrEP among black and Latino MSM.
Methods: A convenience sample of black (n=409) and Latino (n=428) MSM, from the Messages4Men Study, was recruited online and in person in Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, and Kansas City. Demographic variables, newness of PrEP, and HIV conspiracy beliefs were assessed. The HIV/AIDS conspiracy belief scale score consists of 8 items (e.g., “HIV is a manmade virus”); agreement with one or more of the 8 beliefs represents overall HIV/AIDS conspiracy belief, the dependent variable. Men also indicated whether PrEP (a daily pill to prevent HIV infection) was new to them. Results: HIV/AIDS conspiracy belief was more common among black than Latino MSM (53% vs. 37% respectively, p<.05). Younger men reported HIV conspiracy beliefs more than older men (age 18-29 v. 30+; 51% vs. 40%, p<.05). PrEP was new to more HIV conspiracy believers than non-believers (51% vs. 37%, p<.05). In multivariable analysis controlling for race/ethnicity, education, age, HIV status and city, HIV/AIDS conspiracy belief was associated with PrEP being new (aOR=1.93, 95% CI= 1.42-2.62), and living in Fort Lauderdale and Kansas City (vs. Chicago). A college degree or more (vs. some college or less) (aOR=0.62, 95% CI=0.42-0.91) and HIV-positive serostatus (aOR=0.26, 95% CI=0.19-0.37) were inversely associated with PrEP being new.
Conclusions: HIV/AIDS conspiracy belief is associated with being unaware of PrEP as an available HIV prevention method among black and Latino MSM. Access to accurate HIV prevention information is critical to dispel conspiracy beliefs and offer PrEP to men that could benefit the most from it.