HIV & the Biomedical: Investigating the Acceptability of Biomedical Interventions for HIV Prevention in Scotland (HIV & the Biomedical)

This qualitative study examined the social acceptability and lived experiences surrounding biomedical HIV prevention technologies in Scotland. It focused on communities most affected by HIV, including gay and bisexual men, people who inject drugs, and African communities. The research aimed to understand how individuals navigate the risks, responsibilities, and expectations associated with biomedical interventions like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Treatment as Prevention (TasP). The methods included in-depth interviews and focus groups, with data collected between 2021-2013. Topics explored were awareness and perceptions of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and TasP (Treatment as Prevention); trust in biomedical interventions and healthcare providers; experiences of stigma, surveillance, and responsibility; and acccess to and barriers in using HIV prevention technologies. This data is anonymised.