Acceptability of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Implementation Challenges among Men Who Have Sex with Men in India - A Qualitative Investigation

Sep 27, 2026

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This qualitative study explored how men who have sex with men (MSM) in India perceive the acceptability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and what drives or limits uptake. In 2014, it used 10 focus groups (n=61) and 10 key informant interviews across Chennai and Mumbai. While many would likely use PrEP after explanation, participants cited stigma, disclosure fears, and labeling, alongside concerns about risk compensation and nonadherence.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time1 h 6 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Acceptability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and implementation challenges among men who have sex with men in India: A qualitative investigation Venkatesan Chakrapani, Peter A. Newman, Murali Shunmugam, Shruta Mengle, Jarvis Varghese, Ruban Nelson & Shalini Bharat Version Citation (published version) Publisher’s Statement Post-print/ Accepted Manuscript Chakrapani, V., et al. (2015). Acceptability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and implementation challenges among men who have sex with men in India: a qualitative investigation. AIDS Patient Care and STDs 29(10): 569-577. doi: 10.1089/apc.2015.0143 Final publication is available from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers [http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/apc.2015.0143](http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/apc.2015.0143) . How to cite TSpace items Always cite the published version, so the author(s) will receive recognition through services that track citation counts, e.g. Scopus. If you need to cite the page number of the TSpace version (original manuscript or accepted manuscript) because you cannot access the published version, then cite the TSpace version in addition to the published version using the permanent URI (handle) found on the record page. NOTE: This document is the authors’ post-print (post-refereeing) version. The final publication is available at: [http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/apc.2015.0143](http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/apc.2015.0143) Citation: Chakrapani, V. , Newman, P.A. , Shunmugam, M. , Mengle, S. , Varghese, J. , Nelson, R. , & Bharat, S. (2015) . Acceptability of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Implementation Challenges among Men Who Have Sex with Men in India: A Qualitative Investigation. AIDS Patient Care STDS. 29(10):569-77. Acceptability of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Implementation Challenges Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in India: A Qualitative Investigation Venkatesan Chakrapani, MD, 1 ,2 Peter A. Newman, PhD,3 Murali Shunmugam, MSW, 1 Shruta Mengle, MSc,2 Jarvis Varghese, MA,2 Ruban Nelson, BSW,1 and Shalini Bharat, PhD4 1Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP), Chennai, India. 2The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, India. 3 Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. 4School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, India. Corresponding Author: Peter A. Newman, Ph. D. Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work University of Toronto 246 Bloor Street West Toronto, Ontario Canada M5S1V4 Tel: 416-946-8611 Fax: 416-978-7072 Email: [p.newman@utoronto.ca](p.newman@utoronto.ca) Acknowledgments We thank all participants for their contributions, and our collaborating partners for successful implementation of this study: The Humsafar Trust, Mumbai and Social Welfare Association for Men (SWAM) and Sahodaran, Chennai. This study was funded in part by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (MOP-102512; THA-118570) and the Canada Research Chairs Program. Abstract This qualitative study explored the acceptability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among MSM in India, and identified facilitators and barriers to future PrEP uptake. In 2014, we conducted 10 focus groups (n = 61) among a purposive sample of diverse MSM recruited through community-based organizations in Chennai and Mumbai, and 10 key informant interviews with community leaders and health care providers. Participants’mean age was 26.1 years (SD 4.8); 62% completed secondary education, and 42% engaged in sex work. No focus group participants had heard of PrEP, but once explained, most reported they would likely use it. PrEP was alternately perceived as a ‘back-up plan’, a condom substitute, or a burden with concurrent condom use. Facilitators were potential for covert use, sex without condoms, and anxiety-less sex. Potential barriers emerged around stigma associated with PrEP use, fear of disc

FAQs

What did the study assess about PrEP in India?

It examined acceptability of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among MSM and identified facilitators and barriers to future PrEP uptake.

How was data collected in this qualitative investigation?

In 2014, researchers conducted 10 focus groups with a purposive sample of diverse MSM (n=61) and 10 key informant interviews with community leaders and health care providers.

What factors were identified as barriers to PrEP uptake?

Barriers included stigma linked to PrEP use, fear of disclosure to family or partners, and being labeled as HIV-positive or promiscuous. Key informants also raised concerns about risk compensation, nonadherence, and impacts on ART availability.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by hdkawk