Narratives of Risk and Pleasure Among Participants Engaged in a Nurse-Led PrEP Service

Abstract

This research analyzed themes relating to the concepts of risk, risk taking, and pleasure by completing a secondary analysis of participant transcripts collected from the PrEP-RN study conducted by Dr. O'Byrne at the University of Ottawa in collaboration with Ottawa Public Health. Analysis was completed to relate risk, risk taking and pleasure in the context of PrEP-RN, but also identify areas for educational improvement in relation to the selected concepts. The research question sought explanation on the relationship that risk has with risk reduction and risk taking, including analysis of condom usage, risk conversation with partners and general sexual health practices while on PrEP. Additionally, the research sought to answer if PrEP-RN participation had any impact on sexual pleasure, analyzing subthemes of stereotyping, security and desire relating to pleasure. Transcript analysis identified that a reduction in condom usage, improved frequency of sexually transmitted infection testing, promotion of conversations with partners surrounding PrEP and sexual health, and a reduction in sexual fear and anxiety with partners were major themes stemming from PrEP-RN participation. A need to increase education surrounding continued condom usage while on PrEP and identify ways to reduce stigmatization of PrEP were identified as ways to improve the PrEP-RN program.