Digital Interventions to Enhance PrEP Uptake and Adherence Through Stigma Reduction.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for reducing risk of HIV transmission, stigma persists as a barrier to HIV prevention. Digital technologies present opportunities to access hard-to-reach populations and increase the efficiency of established interventions. This review examines current digital interventions addressing stigma to improve PrEP-related outcomes.

Recent findings: Digital technologies are increasingly used for HIV prevention and include a wide range of formats. Recent interventions focused on stigma and PrEP tend to engage mobile phone-related technology and focus on younger populations with particular attention to men who have sex with men and transgender women. Digital interventions that address stigma are promising for improving PrEP-related outcomes. No single technology currently demonstrates consistent superiority. Limited access to PrEP and heightened stigma in under-resourced countries present challenges for interventions supporting diverse communities. Further research should examine how digital interventions can reduce stigma beyond the individual level to enhance PrEP use and explore opportunities to improve and integrate approaches to stigma measurement.