Table 5.

The PrEP Contemplation Ladder by Stage of Change Among Gay and Bisexual Men Objectively Identified as Candidates for PrEP (n = 545)

Motivational PrEP cascade stage of change	PrEP contemplation ladder items	n	%
PrEP Precontemplation	1. I will never need PrEP and have no interest in ever starting it.	27	5.0
PrEP Precontemplation	2. I am not willing to take PrEP and I currently have no plans start it.	44	8.1
PrEP contemplation	3. I am willing to take PrEP but I don't think I'm a good candidate for it and have no plans to start it.	101	18.5
PrEP contemplation	4. I am willing to take PrEP and think I'm a good candidate for it, but I currently have no plans to start it.	133	24.4
PrEParation	5. I definitely plan to start taking PrEP, but I'm not yet ready to take any steps to get started.	50	9.2
PrEParation	6. I definitely plan to start taking PrEP and I've talked to a doctor about getting started, but don't yet have a prescription.	37	6.8
PrEP action and initiation	7. I've gotten a prescription for PrEP, but I'm having trouble getting it filled.	9	1.7
PrEP action and initiation	8. I am on PrEP, but struggle to take it daily and am not sure I can see my provider for HIV/STI testing every 3 months, as recommended.	1	0.2
PrEP action and initiation	9. I am on PrEP and take it nearly every day, but it's difficult to get to my provider for HIV/STI testing every 3 months, as recommended.	13	2.4
PrEP maintenance and adherence	10. I have been taking PrEP every day and am committed to HIV/STI testing and provider checkups every 3 months, as recommended.	131	23.9

PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis; STI, sexually transmitted infection.