Identity-Based Behavioral Economic Incentives Increased PrEP Adherence for Transgender and Nonbinary Adults in a Trans-Led PrEP Navigation Program

Bibliographic Data

ID22420954
AuthorsKimberly Ling Murtaugh (University of California, Los Angeles), Alex R Dopp (0000-0002-2522-6546, RAND Corporation), Carrie L Nacht (0000-0002-2533-3034, San Diego State University), Risa Flynn (0000-0003-0289-2842, Los Angeles LGBT Center), Chloe Opalo (Los Angeles LGBT Center), Erik D Storholm (0000-0001-7072-4248, California State University System, corresponding author)
Year2026
Publication date2026-07-14
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAIDS and Behavior (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1090-7165 • E-ISSN: 1573-3254
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s10461-026-05206-2
PMID42446855
OpenAlexW7168255394
LanguageEN
References cited43

Tailored supports are needed to maximize PrEP engagement among transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) adults, a population disproportionately impacted by HIV with low PrEP use, due to structural and economic barriers, particularly among TGNB individuals of color. This study piloted the integration of identity-based behavioral economic incentives, which use the science of decision-making to encourage beneficial behaviors, within an ongoing community-led, multi-component PrEP navigation program called PrEP Well . Prizes were selected through TGNB community input, were TGNB-affirming and specific to community needs, and included items sourced from TGNB-owned businesses; participants earned prize-wheel spins for PrEP-related steps. Among 108 TGNB adults at a trans-led Los Angeles community center (2022–2023; 36 enrolled before and 72 after incentives began), we conducted a non-randomized pilot trial assessing the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effects of incorporating these incentives into PrEP Well . Pilot results showed that, compared to standard PrEP Well , the addition of identity-based behavioral economic incentives was seen as feasible and acceptable, and produced a moderate effect on PrEP adherence at 90 days post-enrollment (78.6% vs. 56.3%, X 2 (1, 108) = 4.38, p B = 1.54, p

Community-based participatory research · Health psychology · Incentive · Men who have sex with men · Odds · Population · Public health · Transgender · HIV Research and Treatment · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy