Barriers to PrEP & Side Effect Concerns

Barriers to PrEP Use (Ranked by Endorsement)

All reported barriers to PrEP use, ranked from most to least endorsed. Identifying the most common barriers helps prioritize intervention strategies and resource allocation.

Side Effect Concerns (Ranked)

Specific side effect concerns reported by respondents, ranked by frequency. Side effect fears are among the most commonly cited reasons for PrEP hesitancy or discontinuation.

Key Finding: The most commonly endorsed barrier was preferring alternative prevention methods (31.2%), followed by not being sexually active (23.7%) and being in a monogamous relationship (20.9%). Among side effect concerns, loss in bone density (43.9%) and weight changes (36.8%) were the top fears, suggesting that targeted education about actual versus perceived side effects could reduce PrEP hesitancy.
TOP BARRIER: 31.2% prefer alternative prevention methods
TOP CONCERN: 43.9% worry about bone density loss

Barriers by PrEP Use Status

PrEP Users

Barriers reported by those who have used PrEP. These reflect challenges encountered during or after starting PrEP that may contribute to discontinuation.

Non-Users

Barriers cited by those who have never used PrEP. These represent pre-adoption concerns that prevent initial PrEP uptake.

Barriers by Race/Ethnicity

SOURCE

EHE Community Survey, Long Beach CA (N=321 for barriers, N=280 for side effects)

NOTES

Respondents could select multiple barriers and side effect concerns. Percentages reflect endorsement rates, not mutually exclusive categories.