Enhancing HIV prevention and care among men who have sex with men: insights from social psychology

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key population in the HIV epidemic in Western industrialised societies. Significant strides have been made in preventing HIV infection in MSM—indeed, a 60% decrease in HIV incidence was observed in London at the end of 2016.1 This can be attributed to the combined effect of treatment as prevention and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in high-risk MSM. However, sexual risk-taking, inconsistent condom use and low uptake of PrEP remain obstacles to eradicating new HIV transmissions. Advances have also been made in enhancing HIV care. In England, 87% of MSM living with HIV have been diagnosed and over 90% are now on effective antiretroviral therapy (ART).2 Yet, some patients struggle to accept and adjust to their HIV diagnosis. Some decide not to initiate ART. Some are lost to follow-up. Often, the underlying causes are psychosocial in nature. We believe that social psychology has a role to play in developing steps to improve HIV prevention efforts and patient engagement with HIV care.