Background More information is needed to understand how the newer HIV prevention methods should be positioned and which mix of prevention methods should be offered and promoted within the at risk populations. This study sought to obtain data about the preferences for effective biomedical interventions by individuals from the diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds that comprise the STD clinic populations in Miami

Methods A cross sectional survey was used to assess knowledge and preference of traditional (condoms) and new biomedical methods to prevent HIV (Circumcision -C-, Pre-exposure prophylaxis -PreP and microbicides -M) in STD clinic patients. After an initial assessment, the study coordinator provided basic simple descriptions of three new methods of HIV prevention by pamphlets and/or recorded video. The relative preference for each of all the prevention strategies was re-assessed information was provided.

Results Thirty five participants are reported in this interim analysis; 55% were female; 58% were African American; 25% were Hispanic and 12% were Haitians. Most of the participants were not aware of the efficacy of C (68%), PreP (77%) or M (79%) in decreasing the risk of acquiring HIV infection. At baseline, participants described as their preferred method to prevent HIV the use of male condoms (77%) and had marginal preference for the newer methods C (3%), M (6%) and PreP (3%). After the information about the new methods was provided, most of the participants reported to be aware of these methods (80%) and although male condoms was still the first choice for most of the participants (46%) a higher percentage of participants preferred M (20%) and PreP (14%).

Conclusions STD clinic patients who participated in this study had very limited knowledge about the new biomedical strategies to prevent HIV infection. A brief informational session can increase their willingness to use the newer HIV preventive strategies.