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Objective: To determine the willingness to discuss and be screened for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in pharmacies among MSM. Methods: Led by Georgia’s Fulton County Board of Health, this study surveyed individuals who attended 2 Atlanta-based Gay Pride events in 2018. This analysis was limited to those who identified as men who have sex with men (MSM) who were not HIV positive and reported never using PrEP. Multivariable regression was used to determine the correlates of willingness to discuss and be screened for PrEP in-pharmacy. Results: Most (69%) were willing to discuss PrEP with pharmacy staff and 61.35% were willing to be screened for PrEP in-pharmacy. Those who were interested in PrEP were significantly more willing to discuss PrEP in-pharmacy compared to those not interested in PrEP (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.65; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.11-2.48). Race was not associated with willingness to discuss PrEP with pharmacy staff. However, black MSM (BMSM) were less willing to be screened in pharmacies than white MSM, until we accounted for interest in PrEP (PR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09-1.48). Discussion: Pharmacies may be an optimal setting to expand PrEP access to reach racial minorities who have the highest need but are not being reached. Pharmacy-based PrEP discussions and screening could improve awareness of HIV status and increase PrEP knowledge and uptake. Future studies should determine optimal pharmacy conditions under which PrEP screening and uptake are acceptable for BMSM.

Background Characteristics of an individual’s social network have been important factors in understanding infectious disease transmission patterns. Social network data collection is generally time and resource intensive, yet it is crucial to our understanding of the complex epidemiologic landscape of human behaviors among stigmatized social groups. Objective We sought to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a self-administered social network data collection tool, Network Canvas, among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) and transgender persons using the think-aloud method, which is a robust and flexible research technique used to perform usability testing. Methods We piloted a self-administered network interview within the Network Canvas Software Suite. Participants aged 18 years and older were recruited through a community-based organization in Atlanta, GA, and were included based upon their willingness to share information on sexual behaviors and drug use for themselves and their social networks. A semistructured interview guide was used to document cognitive decision-making processes while using the tool. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analyses were performed. Results Among 7 BMSM and transgender participants, three main themes were identified from cognitive processes: (1) the utility, (2) navigation, and (3) intuitive design of Network Canvas. Overall, Network Canvas was described as “easy to use,” with suggestions mainly directed toward improving navigation tools and implementing an initial tutorial on the program prior to use. Participants were willing to use Network Canvas to document their social networks and characteristics. In general, observed verbal responses from participants matched their behavior, although there were some discrepancies between verbal affirmations of use and understanding versus external observation. Conclusions We found Network Canvas to be a useful new tool to capture social network data. Self-administration allowed participants the opportunity to provide sensitive information about themselves and their social networks. Furthermore, automated name generation and visualization of an individuals’ social network in the app has the potential to reduce cognitive burden during data collection. More efficient methods of social network data collection have the potential to provide epidemiologic information to guide prevention efforts for populations with stigmatized health conditions or behaviors.

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BACKGROUND Characteristics of one’s social network have been important factors in understanding infectious disease transmission patterns. Social network data collection is generally time and resource intensive, yet is crucial to our understanding of the complex epidemiologic landscape of human behaviors among stigmatized social groups. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a self-administered social network data collection tool, Network Canvas, among Black MSM (BMSM) and transgender persons using the think aloud method, which is a robust and flexible research technique used to perform usability testing. METHODS We piloted a self-administered network interview within the Network Canvas Software Suite. Participants ≥ 18 years were recruited through a community-based organization in Atlanta, GA and were included based upon willingness to share information on sexual behaviors and drug use for themselves and their social networks. A semi-structured interview guide was used to document cognitive decision-making processes while using the tool. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, and thematic analyses were performed. RESULTS Among seven BMSM and transgender participants, three main themes were identified from cognitive processes: Network Canvas’s utility, navigation, and intuitive design. Overall, Network Canvas was described as ‘easy to use,’ with suggestions mainly directed toward improving navigation tools and implementing an initial tutorial on the program prior to use. Participants were willing to use Network Canvas to document their social networks and characteristics. In general, observed verbal responses from participants matched their behavior although there were some discrepancies between verbal affirmations of use and understanding versus external observation. CONCLUSIONS We found Network Canvas to be a useful new tool to capture social network data. Self-administration allowed for more autonomy for participants when providing sensitive information about themselves and their social networks. Further, automated name generation and visualization of one’s social network in the application has the potential to reduce cognitive burden during data collection. More efficient methods of social network data collection have the potential to provide epidemiologic information to guide prevention efforts for populations with stigmatized health conditions or behaviors.