Patient-Provider Sexual Health Communications and PEP Awareness Among Young Cisgender Men Who Have Sex with Men

Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States remain disproportionately affected by HIV, yet their awareness and uptake of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) remain suboptimal. Patient-provider communication about sexual health has been shown to influence engagement with HIV prevention services, yet its role in shaping PEP awareness among YMSM not currently using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is poorly understood. This study analyzes cross-sectional data from 570 HIV-negative YMSM aged 15-24 to examine associations between provider discussions of sexual health topics and PEP awareness. Multivariable logistic regression models controlled for demographic, behavioral, and structural factors. PEP awareness was associated with prior HIV testing (OR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.65-4.27), having health insurance (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.20-4.43), prior healthcare access barriers (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.08-3.11), and discussing HIV/STI prevention with a provider (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.32-3.16). Because only HIV/STI prevention discussions, not the broader range of sexual health topics, were associated with PEP awareness, our findings emphasize the value of targeted prevention-focused dialogue between providers and YMSM not on PrEP. Future research should examine how such communication influences not only awareness but also PEP uptake and adherence in this high-priority population.