PrEP awareness and barriers to uptake: insights from college campuses across South Carolina.

Objective

To assess PrEP awareness, HIV risk perception, uptake, and factors influencing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among college students in South Carolina.

Participants

A total of 174 students attending sexual health and HIV testing events at 20 college campuses, including all eight HBCUs in South Carolina.

Methods

A 17-item electronic survey was administered (September-October 2024). Descriptive analyses examined demographics, PrEP awareness, HIV risk, preferences, and use.

Results

Half of the respondents had heard of PrEP, and 2% reported current use. Most considered themselves at no or low HIV risk, including 80% of those with a recent sexually transmitted infection (STI) and 85.6% with inconsistent condom use. Barriers included low perceived risk, lack of knowledge, and cost concerns. Nonheterosexual men had higher PrEP awareness and risk perception but low uptake.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the need for focused education, improved risk perception, and expanded PrEP access through trusted providers, including college health centers and primary care clinics.