Utilizing data from Southern women, we created an HIV risk index with expanded partner-level factors to better capture women who may benefit from HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We examined the relationships between potential HIV risk as estimated by laboratory-confirmed bacterial STIs, HIV risk index, perceived HIV risk, and interest in PrEP. Women had multiple PrEP indications; partner characteristics better differentiated STI status than other indicators. Perceived HIV risk differentiated STI status, significantly correlated with the HIV risk index, as well as predicted greater interest in PrEP. Findings can inform how best to evaluate HIV risk and PrEP acceptability among women.
Keywords: Black or African American; PrEP; United States; Women.