Technology use and PrEP awareness among PrEP-eligible cisgender women

Introduction Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is safe and effective for preventing HIV, uptake has been low among cisgender women in the United States. Many PrEP-eligible, cisgender women are unaware of PrEP, suggesting missed opportunities.Methods This research explored factors related to PrEP awareness and technology among PrEP-eligible cisgender women living in New York and Philadelphia, recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected via computer-based surveys among urban, cisgender women not living with HIV.Results Among 237 PrEP-eligible cisgender women, 58% were unaware of PrEP. Most participants were Black (61%) and/or Hispanic (24%), with a mean age of 39 years. Chi-square analyses compared PrEP-aware versus unaware women. PrEP awareness was significantly higher among young women (p = 0.009), Hispanic women (p = 0.039), and women who had never been incarcerated (p = 0.035). Participants with access to technology were significantly more PrEP-aware than women without access (p < 0.001).Conclusions Women who routinely engage in phone-based activities were more likely to be aware of PrEP than women with limited cell phone access. Inequities in technology access and use influence PrEP awareness among cisgender women. Interventions addressing digital inequities may improve awareness and uptake, advancing HIV prevention efforts among cisgender women.