"Taking Charge and Being Responsible": A Qualitative Study of Meaning Making and Motivations for Preexposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Sexual Minoritized Men Engaged in Alcohol Misuse in Kentucky.

Only 10 patients were included, all self-identified male and mostly gay, so the findings are limited to this small group. All participants reported positive perceptions of PrEP, so people with negative perceptions or lower adherence were not represented. Follow-up interviews were conducted, but time intervals between data collection were short, so longer-term changes in alcohol use and adherence were not observed. The study took place in Kentucky PrEP care sites, so local access, stigma, and community norms may differ from other settings. This is a qualitative study, so it describes participants' experiences and cannot show that any routine, provider relationship, or counseling approach improves adherence.

Do not read this as proof that PrEP routines, provider support, or peace of mind improve adherence. The study described 10 men's experiences; it did not test interventions or measure outcomes.