| dc.description.abstract | Background. After 6 years since PrEP’s approval in Europe, its uptake among eligible MSM
continues to be well below the “zero transmission” targets set by the UNAIDS. This study
gathers the reported motivators and barriers that influence the intention of PrEP use by eligible
HIV-negative MSM in Europe. The findings are contrasted to the COM-B model, which is the
core of the Behaviour Change Wheel, a theory widely used to design social interventions. The
objective is to test the COM-B viability for this social key issue for potential further
implementation research. Methods. A systematic search through PubMed and Scopus
databases was conducted to find relevant studies published from 2016 onwards. Thematic
analysis was used to fit the results into the COM-B model. Results. 191 studies found through
databases were assessed for eligibility, of which 17 full text were included in the final analysis
plus three additional studies from grey literature. Most findings could be categorized into the
COM-B factors (psychological capability, physical capability, physical opportunity, social
opportunity, reflective motivation, automatic motivation). However, some categories fell
outside of the COM-B model therefore two additional factors were added (behavioural and
demographic). Conclusions.The COM-B model is an effective behavioural theory to analyse
this particular issue and it could be a starting point for further research on how to design theoryinformed interventions, however it is incomplete. Specific behavioural and demographic
characteristics of different groups within the MSM population should be considered in
intervention design. | |
