Configuring the users of new HIV-prevention technologies

The case of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis

Bibliographic Data

ID15098558
AuthorsMartin Holt (0000-0002-2586-8274, National Centre for Social Research, corresponding author)
Year2015
Volume17
Issue4
Pages428-439
Publication date2015-04-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueCulture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691058.2014.960003
PMID25270549
OpenAlexW2057205765
LanguageEN
Citations received29
References cited29

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a prevention technology that involves prescribing antiretroviral drugs to HIV-negative people to protect them from infection. This paper considers how the development of the technology has necessitated the parallel configuration of its users, and how this process has affected the perception and uptake of the technology. In designing a technology, potential users are typically defined, enabled and constrained, partly to create a target population (or market) for the technology, but also to reassure people that it can be used safely and effectively. This process may or may not be helpful for the uptake and use of the technology. Published research on PrEP indicates that while the technology was under trial, the primary focus was on the 'at-risk' subject in need of PrEP, with little or no consideration of the other qualities necessary for successful use. Post-trial accounts of PrEP have begun to outline desirable qualities of successful PrEP use, such as caution, compliance and being organised. It appears that the PrEP user was only partially configured during the technology's development, and the initial focus on risk has done little to counter fears of the technology, which may partially account for its slow uptake

Business · Environmental health · Family medicine · Internet privacy · Men who have sex with men · Perception · Population · Pre-exposure prophylaxis · Technology development · Computer Science · Engineering · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology · Sex work and related issues