Gay and bisexual adolescents and other men who have sex with men: intersectionality and the PrEP care continuum.

Objective: To analyze the impact of intersecting systems of oppression on the continuum of PrEP care among adolescent gays, bisexuals, and other men who have sex with men (aGBMSM), and to examine how health professionals (HP) identify and address these challenges to provide sexual health care and HIV prevention.

Methods: This qualitative exploratory study was part of a cohort research project involving aGBMSM, travesties, and transgender women (aTrTW) using PrEP. Data analyzed consisted of 16 interviews with aGBMSM and eight with health professionals (HPs) in São Paulo study site. The methodological and theoretical framework for the interactive categorization of thematic analysis was based on an intersectional approach.

Results: The knowledge of aGBMSM about PrEP was influenced by the adverse effects of systems of oppression, particularly among Black adolescents, who acquired knowledge in a less technical manner compared to White adolescents. Most professionals recognized oppression and its impact on the PrEP care continuum (PrEPCC), especially noting the presence of racism. However, few articulated how different social markers compound barriers to the success of the PrEPCC.

Conclusion: Social oppression affects the success of the PrEP care continuum (PrEPCC) in multiple ways. Health professionals (HPs) play a crucial role in mitigating and not perpetuating these negative experiences within health services, as well as in PrEP access, use, and adherence.