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Velloza J, Liu AY, Katz AWK, van der Straten A, Siegler AJ, Scott H, Wilde G, Lockard A, Christie RH, Buchbinder SP. Acceptability of an automated directly observed therapy (DOT) application for PrEP adherence support among young men who have sex with men: a qualitative exploration. AIDS Care 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39222964 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2397133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence remains a challenge among young men who have sex with men (MSM). We developed and tested a smartphone application ("app"), "DOT Diary", which combines automated directly observed therapy (DOT) with information about PrEP protection levels, pill-taking reminders, a sexual behavior diary, and a PrEP dosing calendar. To contextualize trial results, we qualitatively explored participants' app experiences. The trial enrolled 100 young MSM in San Francisco and Atlanta. Participants were randomized 2:1 to DOT Diary versus standard-of-care and followed for 24 weeks. Interviews were conducted with 24 intervention participants. Data were analyzed using a memo-writing approach. Most expressed overall satisfaction with the app ("it was good for its purpose"), despite concerns about technical glitches. The most popular app features were the monthly calendar showing days PrEP was taken and information about level of protection based on pills taken. The DOT component helped participants establish PrEP routines. The reminders were "annoying but effective" at motivating dosing. Opinions about the sexual behavior diary varied. Overall, DOT Diary was acceptable; participants were willing to use it daily to record pill-taking. Critical components included the information about PrEP protection levels and calendar, while others may be modified to improve future success.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03771638.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Velloza
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Albert Y Liu
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ariana W K Katz
- RTI International, Women's Global Health Imperative, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ariane van der Straten
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ASTRA Consulting, Kensington, CA, USA
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hyman Scott
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gretchen Wilde
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Annie Lockard
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Susan P Buchbinder
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Rotsaert A, Smekens T, Jaminé D, Di Zinno T, Deblonde J, Lambert ML, Florence E, Reyniers T, Vanhamel J, Lucet C, van der Loeff MS, Hensen B, Vuylsteke B. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use trajectories and incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among PrEP users in Belgium: a cohort analysis of insurance claims data from 2017 to 2019. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2296. [PMID: 39179990 PMCID: PMC11342504 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19691-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since June 2017, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been reimbursed in Belgium for people at substantial risk of HIV. To inform the national PrEP programme, we described sociodemographic characteristics of PrEP users, PrEP dispensing practices, testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs; gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis), and incidence of HIV and STIs. METHODS Analysis of routinely collected social health insurance claims data from all individuals who were dispensed at least one PrEP prescription between June 2017 and December 2019. Using logistic regression adjusted for age, we examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics and having been dispensed PrEP only once in the first six months of PrEP use. RESULTS Overall, 4559 individuals were dispensed PrEP. Almost all PrEP users were male (99.2%, 4522/4559), with a median age of 37 years (IQR 30-45). A minority were entitled to an increased healthcare allowance (11.4%, 514/4559). 18% (657/3636) were dispensed PrEP only once in the first six months of PrEP use. PrEP users younger than 25 years, unemployed, entitled to an increased healthcare allowance, and who initiated PrEP between January 2019 and June 2019 were more likely to have had no PrEP dispensing after initiation compared to their counterparts. The testing rates for bacterial STIs and HIV were 4.2 tests per person-year (95% CI 4.1-4.2) and 3.6 tests per person-year (95% CI 3.5-3.6), respectively. Twelve individuals were identified to have seroconverted during the study period, resulting in an HIV incidence rate of 0.21/100 person-years (95% CI 0.12-0.36). The incidence of bacterial STIs was 81.2/100 person-years (95% CI 78.7-83.8). CONCLUSIONS The study highlights challenges in PrEP persistence and a high incidence of bacterial STIs among individuals receiving PrEP. Tailored prevention support is crucial for individuals with ongoing HIV risk to optimise PrEP effectiveness. Integrated STI testing and prevention interventions within PrEP care are necessary to mitigate STI acquisition and transmission among PrEP users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Rotsaert
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155 Antwerp, Antwerp, 2000, Belgium.
| | - Tom Smekens
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155 Antwerp, Antwerp, 2000, Belgium
| | - David Jaminé
- Intermutualistisch Agentschap, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Jessika Deblonde
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Eric Florence
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Thijs Reyniers
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155 Antwerp, Antwerp, 2000, Belgium
| | - Jef Vanhamel
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155 Antwerp, Antwerp, 2000, Belgium
| | | | - Maarten Schim van der Loeff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity (AII), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute (APH), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bernadette Hensen
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155 Antwerp, Antwerp, 2000, Belgium
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155 Antwerp, Antwerp, 2000, Belgium
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Hill-Rorie J, Biello KB, Quint M, Johnson B, Elopre L, Johnson K, Lillis R, Burgan K, Krakower D, Whiteside Y, Mayer KH. Weighing the Options: Which PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) Modality Attributes Influence Choice for Young Gay and Bisexual Men in the United States? AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04384-1. [PMID: 39126557 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04384-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission, but uptake and adherence among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) remains suboptimal. New PrEP formulations may enhance PrEP use, but little is known about their acceptability. We enrolled 39 cis- and transgender YMSM (age 18-34) from Boston, MA; Jackson, MS; Birmingham, AL; and New Orleans, LA, who participated in video-based focus groups (n = 30) or in-depth interviews (n = 9) to examine how new PrEP products (e.g., injections, monthly pills, implants) are perceived and might be improved for YMSM. Focus groups were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using grounded theory and content analysis. Nearly half (46%) of participants were Black; 11% identified as Hispanic. Seventy-nine percent were PrEP experienced. Product preference was driven by the desire for flexible, safe, effective, and affordable PrEP options. A majority of participants preferred subcutaneous injections every 6 months or monthly pills dispersed in 3 or 4 doses. Subcutaneous injections and batched monthly pills were favored by those with demanding schedules and those who desired fewer provider visits; monthly pills were more appealing for those who feared needles. Despite broad preferences for longer-acting products for convenience, participants raised concerns regarding side effects and waning protection after missed doses. Participants felt that more education about safety and efficacy profiles of new products could influence their attitudes. These findings suggest that it is important to prioritize YMSM's dynamic lifestyles during product development, and that product safety and efficacy information should be accessible in youth-friendly language.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katie B Biello
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Meg Quint
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Kendra Johnson
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Rebecca Lillis
- Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kaylee Burgan
- University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Douglas Krakower
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Johnson AL, Self KJ, Silvey R, Webb GA, Kalra N, Fallon S, Randolph Cunningham SM, Kanamori M. "PrEP a double-edged sword": Integrating implementation science methodology with Photovoice to guide culturally-tailored pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs for Latino/a and non-Latino/a men who have sex with men in South Florida. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305269. [PMID: 39121065 PMCID: PMC11315311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DiversiPrEP is a culturally-tailored PrEP program for LMSM offered in South Florida. DiversiPrEP navigates LMSM through their PrEP journey, including education, deciding if PrEP is relevant for them, payment, and accessing/maintaining PrEP use. DiversiPrEP includes five ERIC strategies (Increase Demand, Promote Adaptability, Alter Client Fees, Intervene with Clients to Enhance Uptake and Adherence, and Tailor Strategies). DESCRIPTION Photovoice was used to conduct five two-part focus groups with LMSM (n = 12) and Non-LMSM (n = 12). In the first session, trainers provided guidance on selecting and contextualizing photos to generate CFIR themes. Then, participants captured photos that embodied their lived experiences accessing PrEP. In the second session, using SHOWeD, participants discussed photos, identifiedhow photos relate to culturally relevant issues. Triangulation approaches compared/contrasted themes between LMSM and Non-LMSM. RESULTS Five central themes emerged around barriers and facilitators to PrEP services: 1) the need for normalizing PrEP messages within the MSM community, 2) the need for normalizing PrEP messages outside the MSM community, 3) the need for expanding PrEP knowledge, 4) different motivations for using PrEP, and 5) the presence of structural barriers that limit PrEP access. This study compared similarities and differences of barriers and facilitators to PrEP use between Latino/a and non-Latino/a MSM. Similarities included the built environment (outer setting) as a barrier, the need for normalizing PrEP messaging within and outside of the MSM community, and the need to expand PrEP knowledge. Differences between Latino/a and non-Latino/a MSM were found in assessing the motivation and personal drivers (inner setting) for initiating PrEP associated with how participants viewed their responsibilities to self or others. CONCLUSIONS Photovoice with focus groups identified CFIR constructs that can guide the large-scale implementation of a client-centered PrEP service model with telehealth for both Latino/a and non-Latino/a MSM. Implementing client-centered accessible PrEP programs is an essential step to promoting sexual-health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana L. Johnson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kyle J. Self
- University of Miami, School of Education and Human Development, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rebe Silvey
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle A. Webb
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nonie Kalra
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
| | | | | | - Mariano Kanamori
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, United States of America
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Kiggundu R, Soh QR, Tieosapjaroen W, Fairley CK, Tucker JD, Tang W, Zhang L, Ong JJ. Restarting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 72:102647. [PMID: 38800799 PMCID: PMC11127197 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background High coverage of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will reduce HIV transmission and help end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. However, PrEP users face challenges, including long-term adherence. The study aimed to document the proportions of individuals who restart HIV PrEP after they stop and the reasons for restarting PrEP. Methods This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. We systematically searched CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, Global Health, Medline, Scopus, and PsychINFO for peer-reviewed with no date restrictions. A grey literature search was conducted through Google search, a search of abstract books of AIDS conferences and the websites of WHO and UNAIDS. The data search was conducted in April 2023 and updated in February 2024. Two authors extracted data on the proportion of people who stopped and then restarted PrEP, reasons for restarting, and strategies to support people restarting PrEP. Two authors appraised the data using the Joanna Briggs Institute Appraisal Tools. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to pool estimates of restarting. We conducted meta-regression to determine potential sources of heterogeneity. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023416777. However, we deviated from our original plan as we did not identify enough studies for strategies to support restarting PrEP (primary objective). Subsequently, we revised our plan to strengthen our secondary objective to quantify the proportion of people who stopped and restarted PrEP, and explore possible reasons for its heterogeneity. Findings Of 988 studies, 30 unique studieswere included: 27 reported the proportion restarting PrEP, and of these, 7 also reported reasons for restarting PrEP, and 3 studies reported only on the reasons for restarting PrEP. No study evaluated interventions for restarting PrEP. For the meta-analysis, we included 27 studies. Most studies were from high-income countries (17/27, 63%) or the USA (15/27, 56%). Overall, 23.8% (95% CI: 15.9-32.7, I2 = 99.8%, N = 85,683) of people who stopped PrEP restarted PrEP. There was a lower proportion of restarting in studies from middle-income countries compared to high-income countries (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.6, 95% CI: 0.50-0.73, p < 0.001). There was higher restarting in studies from Africa compared to the USA (aOR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30-1.86), heterosexual populations compared to men who have sex with men or transgender women (aOR 1.50, 95% CI: 1.25-1.81, p < 0.001) and in studies defining restarting as those who had stopped PrEP for >1 month compared to those who stopped <1 month (aOR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.06-1.36, p < 0.001). Reasons for restarting PrEP included perceived higher risk for HIV acquisition and removal of barriers to access PrEP. In terms of quality assessment, overall, both randomised controlled trials had a low risk of bias, while the observational studies used in the meta-analysis had some potential risk of bias related to not explicitly addressing potential confounders (15/25, 60%) or not describing strategies to address incomplete follow-up (24/25, 96%). Interpretation About a quarter of people who stopped PrEP would restart, with substantial variation across countries and populations. It is important to understand the motivations and contextual factors influencing restarting PrEP and the support systems to enable restarting PrEP for those at ongoing risk. Funding Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuben Kiggundu
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Qi Rui Soh
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Warittha Tieosapjaroen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph D. Tucker
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Weiming Tang
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jason J. Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Ehsan R, D'Angelo AB, Westmoreland DA, Grov C. Perceptions about doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) as an STI-prevention strategy among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in the United States: Results from a qualitative study. Prev Med 2024; 183:107977. [PMID: 38692309 PMCID: PMC11148872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.107977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To leverage qualitative data to explore gay and bisexual men's (GBM) perceptions about doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP). Doxy-PEP is a novel biomedical STI-prevention strategy that helps reduce the risk of acquiring bacterial STIs. Little is known about Doxy-PEP's acceptability in the U.S., nor how best to engage those most vulnerable to STIs in taking up this nascent prevention strategy. METHOD Between July and September of 2023, 24 GBM from across the U.S. completed qualitative interviews about their perceptions regarding Doxy-PEP. Interviews were analyzed using a codebook approach to thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants were generally interested in using Doxy-PEP, but were concerned about the potential for antibiotic resistance, side-effects, medication interactions to occur, along with stigmatizing discourse around its use. Meanwhile, participants were motivated by the simplicity of Doxy-PEP and the protection it could confer on both an individual and community-level- as well as its potential to reduce STI-related anxiety. Finally, participants desired additional information on Doxy-PEP to address their concerns. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for clear guidelines and expanded public health messaging on Doxy-PEP in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifa Ehsan
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA; CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexa B D'Angelo
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA; CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Drew A Westmoreland
- College of Medicine & College of Public health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA; CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA.
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Patel VV, Andrade E, Zimba R, Mirzayi C, Zhang C, Kharfen M, Edelstein Z, Freeman A, Doshi R, Nash D, Grov C. Preference heterogeneity for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis care among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in the United States: a large discrete choice experiment. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.30.24308102. [PMID: 38854084 PMCID: PMC11160849 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.30.24308102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Background PrEP uptake among Black and Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) remains low in the United States. The design and implementation of PrEP delivery programs that incorporate the preferences of Black and Latino GBM may overcome barriers to uptake. We aimed to identify preferences for PrEP care among high-priority GBM in the U.S. with a large discrete choice experiment. Methods We conducted two discreet choice experiments (DCE) to elicit care preferences for (1) Starting PrEP and (2) Continuing PrEP care among GBM clinically indicated for PrEP. The DCE web-based survey was nested in a longitudinal cohort study of GBM in the U.S., implemented with video and audio directions among 16-49 year-old participants, not using PrEP, and verified to be HIV-negative. All participants were presented with 16 choice sets, with choices determined by BLGBM and PrEP implementation stakeholders. We calculated overall utility scores and relative importance and used latent class analyses (LCA) to identify classes within the Starting and Continuing PrEP DCE. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify factors associated with class membership. Findings Among 1514 participants, mean age was 32 years; 46·5% identified as Latino, 21·4% Black, and 25·2 White; 37·5% had an income less than USD $20,000. Two latent classes were identified for Starting PrEP: Class 1 (n=431 [28·5%]) was driven by preference for more traditional in-person care, and Class 2 (n=1083 [71·5%]) preferred flexible care options and on-demand PrEP. In a multivariable model, having a sexual health doctor (adjusted OR 0·7, CI 0·5, 0·9), having a primary care provider (OR 0·7,CI 0·5, 0·9, p= 0·023), and concerns over PrEP side effects (OR 1·1, CI 1·0,1·2, p= 0·003) were all associated with class membership. Interpretation The different preferences identified for PrEP care indicate the need for diverse care and formulation choices to improve PrEP uptake and persistence. Addressing these preferences and understanding the factors that shape them can inform the implementation of programs that increase PrEP uptake.
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8
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Lane B, Nguyen N, Fillmore H, Carnevale C, Sobieszczyk ME, Zucker J, Meyers K. Evaluating Dual Process Decision-Making Along the PrEP Consumer Journey: New Insights for Supporting PrEP Use. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04357-4. [PMID: 38801501 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04357-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
With the rise of new and emerging Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) modalities, greater attention is needed to better understand how people who could benefit from PrEP make decisions to initiate, stop, pause, or switch PrEP regimens. In this study we borrow from the field of consumer research to create a consumer-derived PrEP Consumer Journey Model that describes key decision-making touchpoints a PrEP consumer moves through within and outside of a clinical context. Using in-depth interviews (n = 29) with gay and bisexual men who have sex with men, we evaluate which system 1 (emotional) and system 2 (cognitive) attributes are used for decision-making at different touchpoints along the PrEP Consumer Journey. Our results suggest system 1 attributes, such as feeling protected, reducing anxiety, enhancing pleasure, social norms, and taking ownership over health were more salient when consumers moved from pre-contemplation to information gathering, as well as evaluating post-uptake experience. System 2 attributes, including cost, side effects, dosing schedule, and sexual frequency, were present throughout the PrEP Consumer Journey, but particularly influential in the information gathering stage and when pausing, switching, or opting out of PrEP. We contend the PrEP Consumer Journey, and our findings related to decision-making, can help orient medical providers to anticipated patient concerns around PrEP use and ultimately provide more supportive and engaging PrEP counseling and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Lane
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nadia Nguyen
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harrison Fillmore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 701 West 168th Street, 11th floor, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | - Magdalena E Sobieszczyk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 701 West 168th Street, 11th floor, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jason Zucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 701 West 168th Street, 11th floor, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Kathrine Meyers
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 701 West 168th Street, 11th floor, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Wray TB, Chan PA, Kahler CW, Ocean EMS, Nittas V. Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Game Plan for PrEP: A Brief, Web and Text Message Intervention to Help Sexual Minority Men Adhere to PrEP and Reduce Their Alcohol Use. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1356-1369. [PMID: 37971613 PMCID: PMC10947926 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04223-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Suboptimal adherence to oral PrEP medications, particularly among younger sexual minority men (SMM), continues to be a key barrier to achieving more substantial declines in new HIV infections. Although variety of interventions, including web and text-message-based applications, have successfully addressed PrEP adherence, very few have addressed the potential influence of alcohol. This pilot study explored whether the Game Plan for PrEP, a brief, web-based and text messaging intervention, helped promote PrEP persistence and adherence and reduced condomless sex and alcohol use. Seventy-three heavy-drinking SMM on PrEP were recruited online from states with Ending the HIV Epidemic jurisdictions and randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either the Game Plan for PrEP intervention or an attention-matched control. We collected online surveys assessing primary outcomes at one, three, and six months post-enrollment. As secondary outcomes, we also collected dried blood spot samples at baseline, three, and six months to analyze for biomarkers of PrEP and alcohol use. Our results showed that the odds of stopping PrEP or experiencing a clinically meaningful lapse in PrEP adherence (≥ 4 consecutive missed doses) were not different across the two conditions. We also did not find evidence of any differences in condomless sex or drinking outcomes across conditions, although participants in both conditions reported drinking less often over time. These findings were consistent across both self-reported outcomes and biomarkers. Overall, we did not find evidence that our brief, web and text messaging intervention encouraged more optimal PrEP coverage or moderate their alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B Wray
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Philip A Chan
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Christopher W Kahler
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Erik M S Ocean
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Vasileios Nittas
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
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Liu AY, Alleyne CD, Doblecki-Lewis S, Koester KA, Gonzalez R, Vinson J, Scott H, Buchbinder S, Torres TS. Adapting mHealth Interventions (PrEPmate and DOT Diary) to Support PrEP Retention in Care and Adherence Among English and Spanish-Speaking Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in the United States: Formative Work and Pilot Randomized Trial. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e54073. [PMID: 38536232 PMCID: PMC11007601 DOI: 10.2196/54073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of mobile health (mHealth) technologies are being developed to support HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence and persistence; however, most tools have focused on men who have sex with men (MSM), and few are available in Spanish. To maximize the potential impact of these tools in reducing gender and racial/ethnic disparities and promoting health equity, mHealth tools tailored to Spanish-speaking people and transgender women are critically needed. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to adapt and tailor 2 mHealth technologies, PrEPmate and DOT Diary, to support daily PrEP adherence and persistence among Spanish-speaking MSM and English- and Spanish-speaking transgender women and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of these tools. METHODS PrEPmate, an interactive, bidirectional, text messaging intervention that promotes personalized communication between PrEP users and providers, and DOT Diary, a mobile app that promotes self-management of PrEP use and sexual health through an integrated electronic pill-taking and sexual activity diary, were previously developed for English-speaking MSM. We conducted 3 focus groups with 15 English- and Spanish-speaking transgender women and MSM in San Francisco and Miami to culturally tailor these tools for these priority populations. We then conducted a 1-month technical pilot among 21 participants to assess the usability and acceptability of the adapted interventions and optimize the functionality of these tools. RESULTS Participants in focus groups liked the "human touch" of text messages in PrEPmate and thought it would be helpful for scheduling appointments and asking questions. They liked the daily reminder messages, especially the fun facts, gender affirmations, and transgender history topics. Participants recommended changes to tailor the language and messages for Spanish-speaking and transgender populations. For DOT Diary, participants liked the adherence tracking and protection level feedback and thought the calendar functions were easy to use. Based on participant recommendations, we tailored language within the app for Spanish-speaking MSM and transgender women, simplified the sexual diary, and added motivational badges. In the technical pilot of the refined tools, mean System Usability Scale scores were 81.2/100 for PrEPmate and 76.4/100 for DOT Diary (P=.48), falling in the "good" to "excellent" range, and mean Client Satisfaction Questionnaire scores were 28.6 and 28.3 for PrEPmate and DOT Diary, respectively (maximum possible score=32). Use of both tools was high over the 1-month pilot (average of 10.5 messages received from each participant for PrEPmate; average of 17.6 times accessing the DOT Diary app), indicating good feasibility for both tools. CONCLUSIONS Using a user-centered design approach, we culturally tailored PrEPmate and DOT Diary to support daily PrEP use among Spanish-speaking MSM and English- and Spanish-speaking transgender women. Our positive findings in a technical pilot support further testing of these mHealth interventions in an upcoming comparative effectiveness trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Y Liu
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Cat-Dancing Alleyne
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Susanne Doblecki-Lewis
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Kimberly A Koester
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rafael Gonzalez
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Janie Vinson
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Hyman Scott
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Susan Buchbinder
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Kamitani E, Mizuno Y, Koenig LJ. Strategies to Eliminate Inequity in PrEP Services in the US South and Rural Communities. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2024; 35:153-160. [PMID: 37963267 PMCID: PMC11090982 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Inequity in preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care in the US South and rural communities is likely attributed to Social Determinants of Health and structural issues beyond individuals' control. We describe three approaches to modify PrEP care practice models to make access easier-"normalizing," "digitalizing," and "simplifying." "Normalizing" approaches are defined as practice models where medical providers who have access to PrEP candidates prescribe PrEP routinely (e.g., primary care providers, community pharmacists); these approaches are found to be highly applicable in real-world settings. Telehealth and other dHealth tools are examples of "digitalizing" PrEP, and their use has been increasing rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic. "Simplifying" PrEP care (e.g., with HIV self-testing, on-demand PrEP) is highlighted in the most recent World Health Organization PrEP guideline. Identifying, implementing, and scaling up these new strategies can allow PrEP candidates to access it, potentially addressing inequities and promoting HIV risk reduction in the US South and rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Kamitani
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. 30329-4027
| | - Yuko Mizuno
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. 30329-4027
| | - Linda J. Koenig
- Division of HIV Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. 30329-4027
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Scott K, Faryar KA, Patil N, Gripshover B, Hammond C, Purohit M, Schmotzer C, Suleman-Civis L, Niforatos J, Avery A, Yax J. Evaluation of an emergency department opt-out provider-driven HIV and syphilis screening and linkage-to-care program. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 77:187-193. [PMID: 38163414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While the effectiveness of emergency departments (ED) in screening for HIV and syphilis is understood, less is known about dual screening programs. We aim to evaluate the impact of an opt-out provider-initiated HIV and syphilis program on screening, diagnosis, and linkage to care outcomes. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of patients screened pre (2014-2017) and post (2017-2021) program implementation. Primary outcomes include HIV and syphilis screening, incidence of positive tests, and proportion of patients linked to care. Secondary outcomes included pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) referral and successful linkage rates for HIV-negative syphilis-positive patients. RESULTS Pre-implementation, 882 HIV tests were performed, of which 22 (2.49%) were new cases and 18 (81.82%) were linked to care; 754 syphilis tests were performed, of which 33 (4.38%) were active infections and 30 (90.91%) were treated. No eligible patients received PrEP referral. Post-implementation, 12,999 HIV tests were performed, of which 73 (0.56%) were new cases and 55 (75.34%) were linked to care; 10,885 syphilis tests were performed, of which 216 (1.98%) were active infections and 188 (87.04%) were treated. 25 (9.09%) eligible patients were referred for PrEP, and four (16.0%) attended their appointment. CONCLUSIONS Post-implementation, there was a 1373.81% and 1343.63% increase in screening, and a 231.82% and 554.55% increase in positive cases of HIV and syphilis, respectively. Dual screening programs can be successfully implemented within the existing ED framework to increase screening and early detection for HIV and syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristal Scott
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Kiran A Faryar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nirav Patil
- Clinical Research Center, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Barbara Gripshover
- Department of Infectious Disease, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Maulik Purohit
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Christine Schmotzer
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Joshua Niforatos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ann Avery
- MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Justin Yax
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Zhou H, Zhu YY, Gao YY, Chu ZX, Chen S, Liu M, Jiang YJ, Hu QH, Shang H. Online distribution of HIV self-testing kits to promote HIV testing among men who have sex with men discontinuing pre-exposure prophylaxis after demonstration project completion in China: a multicentre open-label randomized controlled trial. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 41:100922. [PMID: 37867621 PMCID: PMC10587720 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Background HIV self-testing (HIVST) offers potential solutions to challenges associated with site-based HIV testing (SBHT). However, the effectiveness of HIVST as an HIV prevention strategy for men who have sex with men (MSM) discontinuing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) after the completion of PrEP demonstration project has rarely been assessed. Methods The China Real-world Study of Oral PrEP (CROPrEP) project was conducted in four cities in China. Participants were directed to community resources to continue their PrEP medication after the discontinuation of project-provided PrEP at the last CROPrEP visit. We conducted a multicentre open-label randomized controlled trial among MSM who had discontinued PrEP induced by the completion of CROPrEP. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group (1:1). Participants received regular health education and behavioural interventions throughout the trial. The intervention group was given a link to order free HIVST kits online, while the control group received information about free SBHT. Both groups completed internet-based follow-up surveys at three and six months. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants who underwent HIV testing during the six-month follow-up period. This trial was registered at chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2000038416). Findings Between November 2020 and January 2021, we recruited a total of 620 participants (300 in the intervention group and 320 in the control group). The follow-up completion rates were 99·0% and 95·0% in the intervention and control groups, respectively. At baseline, the median age of participants was 32 (interquartile range: 26-37), and 77·7% underwent HIV testing in the past three months. The proportion of participants who underwent HIV testing in the past three months was higher in the intervention group than in the control group at both the three-month (adjusted risk difference [RD]: 36·7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 35·1-38·5, p < 0·001) and six-month (RD: 26·7, 95% CI: 24·6-28·7 p < 0·001) follow-up periods. Interpretation Our study suggests that providing online distribution of HIVST kits for MSM with PrEP discontinuation induced by completion of the PrEP project effectively promoted HIV testing. This digital approach improves access to HIV testing for MSM and can be applicable to other settings where MSM turn to online public health services. Funding The study was funded by the Fund of National Natural Science Foundation of China; the Mega-Projects of National Science Research for the 13th Five-Year Plan; and the Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang-Yang Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Xing Chu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miao Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Jun Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Hai Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Shang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Centre for Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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14
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Lehmann C, Mullins TLK. Attitudes Toward and Experiences With Discussing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis With Sexual Partners Among US Adolescents and Young Adults Living With HIV. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:866-872. [PMID: 37318410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sexual partners of youth living with HIV are a key population for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Among youth engaged in HIV medical care, we examined awareness of PrEP and experiences with and attitudes toward discussing PrEP with sexual partners. METHODS We recruited 25 15-24-year olds from an adolescent/young adult HIV clinic to complete individual interviews. Interviews assessed demographics, PrEP knowledge, sexual behaviors, and experiences with, intentions toward, barriers, and facilitating factors to discussing PrEP with partners. Transcripts were analyzed using framework analysis. RESULTS Mean age was 18.2 years. Twelve participants were cis-female, 11 cis-male, and two transgender female. Seventeen participants (68%) identified as Black, non-Hispanic. Nineteen acquired HIV sexually. Of 22 participants who had ever had sex, eight reported condomless sex in the prior 6 months. Most youth (17/25) were aware of PrEP. Only 11 participants had discussed PrEP with a partner; 16 reported high intention to discuss PrEP with future partners. Barriers to discussing PrEP with partners included participant-related barriers (i.e., discomfort disclosing HIV status), partner-related barriers (i.e., not open to or unfamiliar with PrEP), relationship-related barriers (i.e., new relationship, lack of trust), and stigma about HIV. Facilitating factors included positive relationship factors, educating partners about PrEP, and partners being receptive to learning about PrEP. DISCUSSION Although many youth living with HIV were aware of PrEP, fewer had discussed PrEP with a partner. PrEP use by partners of these youth may be improved by educating all youth about PrEP and offering opportunities for partners to meet with clinicians to discuss PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Lehmann
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Tanya L Kowalczyk Mullins
- Division of Adolescent and Transition Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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15
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Blair KJ, Torres TS, Hoagland B, Bezerra DRB, Veloso VG, Grinsztejn B, Clark J, Luz PM. Moderating Effect of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use on the Association Between Sexual Risk Behavior and Perceived Risk of HIV Among Brazilian Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e45134. [PMID: 37796573 PMCID: PMC10587815 DOI: 10.2196/45134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) with a higher perceived risk of HIV are more aware of and willing to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is an effective HIV prevention strategy, but there is a lack of data on how PrEP use might moderate the relationship between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV. Moreover, most studies measure perceived risk of HIV via a single question. OBJECTIVE We estimated the moderating effect of PrEP use on the association between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV, measured with the 8-item Perceived Risk of HIV Scale (PRHS), among Brazilian MSM. METHODS A cross-sectional, web-based survey was completed by Brazilian Hornet app users aged ≥18 years between February and March 2020. We included data from cisgender men who reported sex with men in the previous 6 months. We evaluated the moderating effect of current PrEP use on the association between sexual risk behavior, measured via the HIV Incidence Risk Index for MSM (HIRI-MSM), and perceived risk of HIV, measured by the PRHS. Higher HIRI-MSM (range 0-45) and PRHS (range 10-40) scores indicate greater sexual behavioral risk and perceived risk of HIV, respectively. Both were standardized to z scores for use in multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS Among 4344 cisgender MSM, 448 (10.3%) were currently taking PrEP. Current PrEP users had a higher mean HIRI-MSM score (mean 21.0, SD 9.4 vs mean 13.2, SD 8.1; P<.001) and a lower mean PRHS score (mean 24.6, SD 5.1 vs mean 25.9, SD 4.9; P<.001) compared to those not currently taking PrEP. In the multivariable model, greater HIRI-MSM scores significantly predicted increased PRHS scores (β=.26, 95% CI 0.22-0.29; P<.001). PrEP use moderated the association between HIRI-MSM and PRHS score (interaction term β=-.30, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.21; P<.001), such that higher HIRI-MSM score did not predict higher PRHS score among current PrEP users. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest current PrEP users have confidence in PrEP's effectiveness as an HIV prevention strategy. PrEP's effectiveness, positive psychological impact, and the frequent HIV testing and interaction with health services required of PrEP users may jointly influence the relationship between sexual risk behavior and perceived risk of HIV among PrEP users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin James Blair
- South American Program in HIV Prevention Research, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thiago S Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel R B Bezerra
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jesse Clark
- South American Program in HIV Prevention Research, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Paula M Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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de Vos L, Mudzingwa EK, Fynn L, Atujuna M, Mugore M, Gandhi M, Celum C, Hosek S, Bekker L, Daniels J, Medina‐Marino A. Factors that influence adolescent girls and young women's re-initiation or complete discontinuation from daily oral PrEP use: a qualitative study from Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26175. [PMID: 37758649 PMCID: PMC10533377 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) face barriers that jeopardize their prevention-effective use of daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We sought to understand factors that influence AGYW's prolonged breaks in PrEP use, and their decisions to re-initiate or discontinue using PrEP in the context of a community-based adherence support intervention. METHODS In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted between December 2019 and April 2021 with purposively selected AGYW (aged 16-25) enrolled in the Community PrEP Study (CPS) in Buffalo City Metro Health District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. AGYW were offered monthly PrEP for 24 months at two community-based study sites. Interview guides were informed by the Information-Motivation-Behavioural Skills Model, and data were analysed using illustrative code reports and a case analysis. RESULTS A total of 603 participants were enrolled and initiated on PrEP in the parent study. Fifty-three IDIs were conducted with 50 CPS participants. Findings revealed that external factors (e.g. local movement, school holidays and medication side-effects) and social conflicts (e.g. discretion and partner mistrust) directly influenced breaks in PrEP usage. A decrease in one's self-perception of HIV risk prolonged the duration of these "PrEP breaks." Once PrEP refill visits were missed, some AGYW delayed returning for refills out of fear of being scolded by study staff. The differences between those participants who eventually re-initiated PrEP and those who disengaged from PrEP use can be attributed to social support and encouragement, level of familiarity with PrEP, risk perceptions, self-initiated discussions with staff and diminishing side effects. CONCLUSIONS Despite implementing a community-based PrEP delivery platform and behavioural intervention that included support for daily oral PrEP adherence and disclosure, participants struggled with consistent daily oral PrEP use. Unpredictable life events, including local movement and schooling schedules, in addition to being judged for their perceived behaviours, pose a challenge for consistent pill pick-up for AGYW and habit formation. Long-acting injectable PrEP may mitigate a number of these external barriers. Interventions that integrate long-term planning skills, how to navigate existing social judgements and how to access sources of social support may further improve habit formation for PrEP use, regardless of its formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey de Vos
- Research UnitFoundation for Professional DevelopmentEast LondonSouth Africa
| | - Emily Krogstad Mudzingwa
- The Desmond Tutu HIV CentreUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and PolicyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsConnecticutUSA
| | - Lauren Fynn
- The Desmond Tutu HIV CentreUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Millicent Atujuna
- The Desmond Tutu HIV CentreUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Matinatsa Mugore
- Mailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Monica Gandhi
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Connie Celum
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, and EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Sybil Hosek
- Division of Infectious DiseasesStroger Hospital of Cook CountyChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Division of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryDepartment of PsychiatryStroger Hospital of Cook CountyChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Linda‐Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu HIV CentreUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Joseph Daniels
- Edson College of Nursing and Health InnovationArizona State UniversityPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Andrew Medina‐Marino
- The Desmond Tutu HIV CentreUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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Newcomb ME, Swann G, Macapagal K, Sarno E, Whitton SW, Mustanski B. Biomedical and behavioral outcomes of 2GETHER: A randomized controlled trial of a telehealth HIV prevention program for young male couples. J Consult Clin Psychol 2023; 91:505-520. [PMID: 37141032 PMCID: PMC10729837 DOI: 10.1037/ccp0000823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the efficacy of the 2GETHER relationship education and HIV prevention program for young male couples in reducing risk for HIV. METHOD We conducted a comparative effectiveness randomized controlled trial of 2GETHER, a five-session hybrid group- and couple-based intervention delivered via videoconference, relative to a single-session HIV testing and risk reduction counseling protocol delivered to couples. We randomized 200 young male couples (N = 400) to 2GETHER or control from 2018 to 2020. Primary biomedical (i.e., rectal Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infection) and behavioral outcomes (i.e., condomless anal sex [CAS]) were measured at 12-months postintervention. Secondary outcomes were other HIV prevention and risk behaviors, relationship quality, and substance use. Multilevel regression was used to model intervention outcomes to account for clustering within couples. Postintervention change over time was modeled as a latent linear growth curve at the within-persons level. RESULTS We observed significant intervention effects on primary biomedical and behavioral HIV risk outcomes. Participants in 2GETHER had significantly lower odds of rectal STIs at 12-months relative to control. We also observed significantly steeper declines in the number of CAS partners and acts from baseline to 12-month follow-up in 2GETHER relative to control. Few differences were observed for secondary relationship and HIV-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS 2GETHER is an efficacious intervention that has a significant impact on both biomedical and behavioral HIV prevention outcomes among male couples. Couple-based HIV prevention programs enhanced with evidence-based relationship education may effectively reduce the most proximal predictors of HIV infection. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E. Newcomb
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Gregory Swann
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Kathryn Macapagal
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Elissa Sarno
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Sarah W. Whitton
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
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18
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Kamitani E, Mizuno Y, DeLuca JB, Collins CB. Systematic review of alternative HIV preexposure prophylaxis care delivery models to improve preexposure prophylaxis services. AIDS 2023; 37:1593-1602. [PMID: 37199602 PMCID: PMC10366650 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify types, evidence, and study gaps of alternative HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care delivery models in the published literature. DESIGN Systematic review and narrative synthesis. METHODS We searched in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Prevention Research Synthesis (PRS) database through December 2022 (PROSPERO CRD42022311747). We included studies published in English that reported implementation of alternative PrEP care delivery models. Two reviewers independently reviewed the full text and extracted data by using standard forms. Risk of bias was assessed using the adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Those that met our study criteria were evaluated for efficacy against CDC Evidence-Based Intervention (EBI) or Evidence-Informed Intervention (EI) criteria or Health Resources and Services Administration Emergency Strategy (ES) criteria, or for applicability by using an assessment based on the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. RESULTS This review identified 16 studies published between 2018 and 2022 that implemented alternative prescriber ( n = 8), alternative setting for care ( n = 4), alternative setting for laboratory screening ( n = 1), or a combination of the above ( n = 3) . The majority of studies were US-based ( n = 12) with low risk of bias ( n = 11). None of the identified studies met EBI, EI, or ES criteria. Promising applicability was found for pharmacists prescribers, telePrEP, and mail-in testing. CONCLUSIONS Delivery of PrEP services outside of the traditional care system by expanding providers of PrEP care (e.g. pharmacist prescribers), as well as the settings of PrEP care (i.e. telePrEP) and laboratory screening (i.e. mail-in testing) may increase PrEP access and care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Kamitani
- Division of HIV Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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19
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Watson RJ, Morgan E, Sherman J, Caba AE, Wheldon CW, Chan PA, Eaton LA. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, anticipated PrEP stigma, and bisexual identity among a Black and Hispanic/Latino sexual and gender diverse sample. Behav Med 2023; 49:283-291. [PMID: 35465800 PMCID: PMC9592674 DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2022.2048249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Black and Hispanic/Latino sexual minority men and gender diverse (SMMGD) individuals are disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic. Uptake and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is suboptimal among SMMGD Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals, but most research has approached this population as homogenous (e.g., a group operationalized as men who have sex with men). Bisexual men are less likely to disclose their sexual identity and report more mental health problems than their gay counterparts, but there is less attention to the impact of different sexual identities on PrEP use over time. We utilized data from three waves of a national longitudinal study (2020-2021) to characterize Black and Hispanic/Latino SMMGD participants' PrEP use including: 1) PrEP uptake during the study; 2) consistent PrEP use across the study; and 3) discontinuation of PrEP use since study baseline. We found bisexual men were significantly less likely than gay men to be consistent PrEP users and were more likely to discontinue PrEP use over the course of the study. Of the sample who reported PrEP use across surveys, 10% initiated PrEP during the study period, 0% of whom were bisexual. Additionally, bisexual participants reported statistically significantly higher anticipated PrEP stigma relative to gay participants. These findings have implications for HIV prevention interventions. Given the differences in PrEP experiences as a function of sexual identity, researchers and clinicians should consider the disruptive role of stigma (both biphobia and anticipated PrEP stigma) in PrEP care and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Ethan Morgan
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Infectious Disease Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jessica Sherman
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Antonia E Caba
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Christopher W Wheldon
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Philip A Chan
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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20
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Joshi S, Namuddu C, Kasujja FX, Mirembe M, Homsy J, Seeley J, King R. PrEP uptake and persistence amongst HIV-negative women who exchange sex for money or commodities in Kampala, Uganda: A qualitative inquiry assessing the influence of pregnancy. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0000434. [PMID: 37368866 PMCID: PMC10298783 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant young women who exchange sex for money or commodities are at elevated biological and social risk for HIV acquisition. PrEP serves as an effective means of HIV prevention, including during pregnancy. This study aimed to explore attitudes, experiences and challenges with PrEP to understand what motivates or limits PrEP uptake and adherence specifically during pregnancy among this population of young women. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 participants, recruited from the Prevention on PrEP (POPPi) study in the Good Health for Women Project clinic in Kampala, Uganda. POPPi's inclusion criteria comprised of HIV-uninfected women, aged 15-24, who exchange sex for money or commodities. Interviews focused on experience with PrEP and pregnancy. Data were analyzed utilizing a framework analysis approach. Key themes were comprised of participant barriers to and facilitators of PrEP uptake and adherence. Reasons for PrEP initiation included desire for autonomy and agency, mistrust of partners, and social support. Participants expressed challenges with initiating or sustaining their use of PrEP, including pregnancy, PrEP access and perceived or felt stigma. During pregnancy, participants' primary motivators for altering PrEP use were either understanding of PrEP safety for their baby or changes in perceptions of their HIV risk. Many of these factors were similar across participants who had experience with pregnancy and those who did not. This study highlights the importance of addressing barriers to and facilitators of PrEP uptake and persistence, especially during pregnancy where risk is elevated, with a multi-level approach. Community-oriented education, stigma reduction activities alongside access to PrEP, can serve as means for adherence. The development of robust PrEP support services and guidelines regarding PrEP use during pregnancy among high-risk women, and strategies for their implementation, are of utmost importance for the control of HIV in key populations and the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivali Joshi
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, (UCSF), San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Catherine Namuddu
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Francis Xavier Kasujja
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Miriam Mirembe
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jaco Homsy
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, (UCSF), San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Janet Seeley
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRC/UVRI & LSHTM) Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel King
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, (UCSF), San Francisco, California, United States of America
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21
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D’Angelo AB, Mirzayi C, Carneiro PB, Grov C. Changes in Cost and Insurance Challenges to Cover PrEP Between 2019 and 2021. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 93:116-125. [PMID: 36881835 PMCID: PMC10293025 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) use continues lag estimated need among gay and bisexual men in the United States. Studies report that challenges paying for PrEP may undermine continued use. Our study aimed to measure these challenges over time. METHODS Data were taken from a US national cohort study of cisgender gay and bisexual men and transgender individuals aged 16-49 years. We analyzed data from PrEP-using participants between 2019 and 2021 and observed cost-related and insurance-related challenges participants experienced while on PrEP across time points. We report McNemar and Cochrane Q test statistics to compare differences between groups by year(s). RESULTS In 2019, 16.5% (n = 828/5013) of participants were on PrEP; by 2020, 21% (n = 995/4727) were on PrEP, and by 2021, 24.5% (n = 1133/4617) were on PrEP. The proportion of those experiencing challenges paying for PrEP care decreased significantly across time points for clinical appointments, laboratory work, and prescriptions. Those experiencing insurance and copay approval issues did not change significantly. Although not statistically significant, the only proportion that increased over time was those reporting PrEP-related insurance approval issues. In a post hoc analysis, we found that those reporting PrEP use in the past year who were not currently on PrEP were significantly more likely to report experiencing most PrEP challenges, when compared with current PrEP users. DISCUSSION We found significant reductions in insurance and cost-related challenges between 2019 and 2021. However, those who discontinued PrEP within the past year reported greater challenges paying for PrEP, suggesting that cost and insurance issues may undermine PrEP persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa B. D’Angelo
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY b
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY
| | - Chloe Mirzayi
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY b
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY
| | - Pedro B. Carneiro
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY b
| | - Christian Grov
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY b
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY
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22
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Kohler S, Dalal S, Hettema A, Matse S, Bärnighausen T, Paul N. Out-of-pocket Expenses and Time Spent on Clinic Visits Among HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Users and Other Clinic Attendees in Eswatini. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1222-1233. [PMID: 36219271 PMCID: PMC9551250 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03859-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
User costs constitute a barrier to the uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), but their magnitude appears rarely assessed. In this prospective observational study, we assessed self-reported out-of-pocket expenses (OOPE) and time spent on clinic visits during a PrEP demonstration project in Eswatini. At six public primary care clinics, 240 PrEP users and other clinic attendees were interviewed after a clinic visit. Among the 79.2% of clinic attendees reporting any medical OOPE (e.g., expenses for consultations or drugs) and/or non-medical OOPE (e.g., expenses for transport, food, or phone use), the median total OOPE was $1.36 (IQR 0.91-1.96). Non-medical OOPE occurred mostly due to transport expenses. The median travel time for a clinic visit was 1.0 h (IQR 0.67-2.0). The median time spent in the clinic was 2.0 h (IQR 1.15-3.0). The median opportunity cost of a clinic visit was $7.54 (IQR 5.42-11) when valuing time spent on a clinic visit with Eswatini's per-capita gross domestic product. Our findings can guide measures to reduce the user costs of PrEP in Eswatini and other contexts in which oral PrEP is provided through health care facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kohler
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Shona Dalal
- Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Sindy Matse
- Eswatini Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nicolas Paul
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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23
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Chase E, Mena L, Johnson KL, Prather M, Khosropour CM. Patterns of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Use in a Population Accessing PrEP in Jackson, Mississippi. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1082-1090. [PMID: 36094635 PMCID: PMC9465129 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03845-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) persistence is suboptimal in the United States. In the Deep South, a region with high rates of new HIV diagnosis, patterns of PrEP discontinuation remain unexplored. We evaluated data from a clinic-based PrEP program in Jackson, Mississippi and included patients initiating PrEP between August 2018 and April 2021. We considered patients to have a gap in PrEP coverage if they had at least 30 days without an active PrEP prescription; those who restarted PrEP after 30 days were classified as 'stopped and restarted' and those who never obtained a new PrEP prescription were classified as 'stopped and did not restart'. Patients without a gap in coverage were considered 'continuously on PrEP'. We estimated median time to first PrEP discontinuation and examined factors associated with time to first PrEP discontinuation. Of 171 patients who received an initial 90-day PrEP prescription; 75% were assigned male at birth and 74% identified as Black. The median time to first discontinuation was 90 days (95% CI 90-114). Twenty-two percent were continuously on PrEP, 28% stopped and restarted (median time off PrEP = 102 days), and 50% stopped and did not restart. Associations with early PrEP stoppage were notable for patients assigned sex female vs male (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.5) and those living over 25 miles from clinic vs. 0-10 miles (aHR 1.89, 95% CI 1.2-3.0). Most patients never refilled an initial PrEP prescription though many patients re-started PrEP. Interventions to improve persistence and facilitate re-starts are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Chase
- Department of Epidemiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359777, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Leandro Mena
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | | | - Mariah Prather
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Christine M Khosropour
- Department of Epidemiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359777, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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24
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Philpot SP, Murphy D, Chan C, Haire B, Wells N, Fraser D, Grulich AE, Bavinton BR. Identifying Patterns of Discontinuing and Recommencing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the Context of Sexual Behavior Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia. AIDS Behav 2023:10.1007/s10461-023-04013-3. [PMID: 36811738 PMCID: PMC9945832 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
We mapped gay and bisexual men's (GBM) patterns of using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) over time and explored sexual behavior as PrEP use changed. We conducted semi-structured interviews between June 2020 and February 2021 with 40 GBM living in Australia who had changed their PrEP use since initiating. There was considerable diversity in patterns of discontinuation, suspension, and recommencement of PrEP. Reasons for changing PrEP use mostly centered on accurate perceived changes to HIV risk. Twelve participants reported condomless anal intercourse with casual or fuckbuddy partners after discontinuing PrEP. These sex events were unanticipated, condoms were not a preferred option, and other risk reduction strategies were applied inconsistently. Service delivery and health promotion can support safer sex among GBM when PrEP use fluctuates by promoting event-driven PrEP and/or non-condom-based risk reduction methods during periods off daily PrEP, and guiding GBM to better recognize changing circumstances of risk and when to recommence PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P. Philpot
- Level 6, Wallace Wurth Building, High St, Kensington, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Dean Murphy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia ,Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Curtis Chan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Doug Fraser
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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25
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Soares F, Magno L, da Silva LAV, Guimarães MDC, Leal AF, Knauth D, Veras MA, de Brito AM, Kendall C, Kerr LRFS, Dourado I. Perceived Risk of HIV Infection and Acceptability of PrEP among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Brazil. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:773-782. [PMID: 36169773 PMCID: PMC9517975 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02342-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The HIV epidemic affects men who have sex with men (MSM) disproportionally in Brazil, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for preventing HIV in this population. However, low perceived risk of HIV may influence the acceptability and decision to use PrEP. This study estimated the association between self-perception of HIV risk and acceptability of daily oral PrEP among Brazilian MSM. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used for behavioral and biological surveillance to recruit 4,176 MSM 18 years or over in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. Results were weighted using Gile's estimator in RDS Analyst software. Adjusted odds rations (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using multivariate logistic regression. Acceptability of daily oral PrEP was high (69.7%) among the 3,544 MSM available for analysis. Most participants self-reported low or moderate risk of HIV infection (67.2%) and a small proportion (9.3%) reported high risk. A dose-response relationship was observed between acceptability of PrEP and self-reported risk: PrEP acceptability was 1.88 times higher (OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.24-2.85) among MSM whose perceived risk of HIV infection was low or moderate, and 5 times higher (OR 5.68; 95% CI: 2.54-12.73) among those who self-reported high risk compared to MSM reporting no HIV risk. MSM with the highest risk perception of HIV reported higher rates of PrEP acceptability. Given the availability of daily oral PrEP in the public health care system in Brazil, we suggest emphasizing counseling about self-perception of HIV risk as part of routine HIV prevention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiane Soares
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Basílio da Gama, s/n, Campos Universitário Do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 4.0110-040, Brazil.
| | - Laio Magno
- Department of Life Sciences, State University of Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Andrea Fachel Leal
- Sociology Department, Institute of Philosophy and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Daniela Knauth
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Amélia Veras
- School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Carl Kendall
- Department of Community Health, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Inês Dourado
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, Basílio da Gama, s/n, Campos Universitário Do Canela, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 4.0110-040, Brazil
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26
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Lee F, Khanna AS, Hallmark CJ, Lavingia R, McNeese M, Zhao J, McNeese ML, Khuwaja S, Ardestani BM, Collier N, Ozik J, Hotton AL, Harawa NT, Schneider JA, Fujimoto K. Expanding Medicaid to Reduce Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission in Houston, Texas: Insights From a Modeling Study. Med Care 2023; 61:12-19. [PMID: 36477617 PMCID: PMC9733589 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Medicaid expansion has been nationally shown to improve engagement in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment and prevention continua, which are vital steps to stopping the HIV epidemic. New HIV infections in the United States are disproportionately concentrated among young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). Houston, TX, is the most populous city in the Southern United States with a racially/ethnically diverse population that is located in 1 of 11 US states that have not yet expanded Medicaid coverage as of 2021. METHODS An agent-based model that incorporated the sexual networks of YBMSM was used to simulate improved antiretroviral treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement through Medicaid expansion in Houston, TX. Analyses considered the HIV incidence (number of new infections and as a rate metric) among YBMSM over the next 10 years under Medicaid expansion as the primary outcome. Additional scenarios, involving viral suppression and PrEP uptake above the projected levels achieved under Medicaid expansion, were also simulated. RESULTS The baseline model projected an HIV incidence rate of 4.96 per 100 person years (py) and about 368 new annual HIV infections in the 10th year. Improved HIV treatment and prevention continua engagement under Medicaid expansion resulted in a 14.9% decline in the number of annual new HIV infections in the 10th year. Increasing viral suppression by an additional 15% and PrEP uptake by 30% resulted in a 44.0% decline in new HIV infections in the 10th year, and a 27.1% decline in cumulative infections across the 10 years of the simulated intervention. FINDINGS Simulation results indicate that Medicaid expansion has the potential to reduce HIV incidence among YBMSM in Houston. Achieving HIV elimination objectives, however, might require additional effective measures to increase antiretroviral treatment and PrEP uptake beyond the projected improvements under expanded Medicaid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Lee
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination,Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Aditya S. Khanna
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies,Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | | | - Richa Lavingia
- Department of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Marlene McNeese
- Division of Disease Prevention and Control, Houston Health Department
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Salma Khuwaja
- Division of Disease Prevention and Control, Houston Health Department
| | - Babak M. Ardestani
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination,Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Nicholson Collier
- Decision and Infrastructure Sciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL
| | - Jonathan Ozik
- Decision and Infrastructure Sciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL
| | - Anna L. Hotton
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination,Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Nina T. Harawa
- Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California,Department of Psychiatry, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA
| | - John A. Schneider
- Chicago Center for HIV Elimination,Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Kayo Fujimoto
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX
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Buchbinder SP, Siegler AJ, Coleman K, Vittinghoff E, Wilde G, Lockard A, Scott H, Anderson PL, Laborde N, van der Straten A, Christie RH, Marlborough M, Liu AY. Randomized Controlled Trial of Automated Directly Observed Therapy for Measurement and Support of PrEP Adherence Among Young Men Who have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:719-732. [PMID: 35984607 PMCID: PMC9908647 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03805-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Measurement of adherence to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in real-time has been challenging. We developed DOT Diary, a smartphone application that combines automated directly observed therapy with a PrEP adherence visualization toolkit, and tested its ability to measure PrEP adherence and to increase adherence among a diverse cohort of young men who have sex with men (MSM). We enrolled 100 MSM in San Francisco and Atlanta and randomly assigned them 2:1 to DOT Diary versus standard of care. Concordance between DOT Diary measurement and drug levels in dried blood spots was substantial, with 91.0% and 85.3% concordance between DOT Diary and emtricitabine-triphosphate and tenofovir-diphosphate, respectively. There was no significant difference in the proportion of participants with detectable PrEP drug levels at 24 weeks between study arms. These results suggest DOT Diary is substantially better than self-reported measures of adherence, but additional interventions are needed to improve PrEP adherence over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan P Buchbinder
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA, 94102, USA.
| | - Aaron J Siegler
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kenneth Coleman
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric Vittinghoff
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gretchen Wilde
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Annie Lockard
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hyman Scott
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ariane van der Straten
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- ASTRA Consulting, Kensington, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Albert Y Liu
- Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Xavier Hall CD, Bundy C, Foran JE, Newcomb ME, Carrillo H, Watkins-Hayes C, Mustanski B. Identifying Strategies for Improving Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence: Perspectives from a Sample of Highly Adherent Young Men Who have Sex with Men. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:506-517. [PMID: 35906443 PMCID: PMC9884315 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03785-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Most research on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence and persistence uses a deficit-based approach to identify negative influences on PrEP adherence; however, an alternative set of approaches (such as resilience, asset-based, and positive variation) may identify equally important positive influences on PrEP adherence. Thus, the current study presents qualitative perspectives of PrEP adherence strategies from a sample of adherent YMSM. PrEP-using YMSM living in the Chicago area from a larger cohort study were recruited into a 90-day diary study that measured sexual health behaviors including PrEP use. A subset (n = 28) were then recruited for in-depth interviews between April and September 2020 covering topics of PrEP use and adherence. Thematic analysis was used to interpret patterns within the data. The analytic sample (n = 19) consistently reported high levels of adherence. Adherence strategies were organized into three broader categories: psychological (e.g. mindfulness, pill auditing), technical/instrumental (e.g. automated reminders, pill organizers), and social strategies (e.g. checking in with friends, or getting suggestions from friends). The majority of participants described using multiple strategies and changing strategies to respond to barriers to adherence. Other themes that were related to adherence included having a daily medication history and a generally positive outlook toward the PrEP regimen. Those who had medication histories were able to draw from experience to develop strategies for PrEP adherence. Findings suggest the need for pre-emptive counseling for PrEP-initiators on the use of multiple strategies, how to prepare for PrEP adherence, to adapt to challenges, and to adopt a range of potential strategies for adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey D. Xavier Hall
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Camille Bundy
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Chicago, IL USA
| | - James E. Foran
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Michael E. Newcomb
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Héctor Carrillo
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Sociology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL USA
| | - Celeste Watkins-Hayes
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA ,grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Sociology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Thongsak N, Manojai N, Apiputhipan R, Rongram N, Mattawanon N, Bunyatisai W, Plubin B, Nakharutai N, Thumronglaohapun S, Srikummoon P, Wongsawat K, Traisathit P, Homkham N. Risk Factors Associated with Loss to Follow-up Among Transgender Women Receiving HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:473-483. [PMID: 35930202 PMCID: PMC9362098 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03782-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is free in Thailand, many transgender women discontinue taking it after initiation. We determined the loss to follow-up (LTFU) rate of transgender women who initiated PrEP at the Mplus Foundation, Chiang Mai, Thailand, and identified associated risk factors using Cox proportional hazard models. Of 235 participants who initiated PrEP, 59 (55%) out of 108 remaining participants had reactive syphilis. The LTFU rate at 6 months was 38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 29-48%). Multivariable analysis indicates that LTFU is independently associated with age ≥ 26 years old (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.06-4.14) and reactive syphilis (aHR = 1.98; 95% CI:1.01-3.88). Delayed appointment scheduling by the PrEP providers and the syphilis clinic was associated with transgender women having reactive syphilis, and the lockdown policy during the COVID-19 pandemic might have influenced them to discontinue PrEP and their subsequent LTFU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natthapat Thongsak
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Natnita Mattawanon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Walaithip Bunyatisai
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand ,Data Science Research Center, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Bandhita Plubin
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand ,Data Science Research Center, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nawapon Nakharutai
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand ,Data Science Research Center, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Salinee Thumronglaohapun
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand ,Data Science Research Center, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pimwarat Srikummoon
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand ,Data Science Research Center, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kanokkan Wongsawat
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Patrinee Traisathit
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand ,Data Science Research Center, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand ,Research Center in Bioresources for Agriculture, Industry and Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nontiya Homkham
- Faculty of Public Health, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand.
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Meyers K, Nguyen N, Zucker JE, Kutner BA, Carnevale C, Castor D, Sobieszczyk ME, Yin MT, Golub SA, Remien RH. The Long-Acting Cabotegravir Tail as an Implementation Challenge: Planning for Safe Discontinuation. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:4-9. [PMID: 36056997 PMCID: PMC11232485 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03816-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The long-acting feature of cabotegravir, an integrase-inhibitor highly effective in preventing acquisition of HIV in adolescents and adults, is both its greatest strength and a challenge to its implementation. Cab-LA is administered at 8-week intervals (after an initial loading dose) but has a long, variable drug "tail" that may leave users vulnerable to future drug resistance if they contract HIV during this critical period. The potential for cab-LA to meaningfully contribute to ending the HIV Epidemic is hindered by, among other factors, limited resources to guide patients and providers on how to safely discontinue injections. We suggest three key strategies to overcome this specific challenge: (1) Comprehensive patient education and counseling about the drug tail; (2) Training and coaching PrEP care teams, including clinical and non-clinical staff, on communication around the tail; (3) Adherence support strategies, including monitoring of cabotegravir drug levels after discontinuation, for a personalized medicine approach to safe discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine Meyers
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 W. 168th Street, HHSC 1102, 10032, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Nadia Nguyen
- Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 701 W. 168th Street, HHSC 1102, 10032, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason E Zucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bryan A Kutner
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality and Health, NY State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Caroline Carnevale
- NYP HIV Prevention Program, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Delivette Castor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Magdalena E Sobieszczyk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael T Yin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarit A Golub
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Basic and Applied Social Psychology (BASP) PhD Program, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY Center for AIDS Research (ERC-CFAR), New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert H Remien
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, NY, USA
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Echeverría-Guevara A, Coelho LE, Veloso VG, Pimenta MC, Hoagland B, Moreira RI, Leite I, Jalil EM, Cardoso SW, Torres TS, Grinsztejn B. Travestis, transgender women and young MSM are at high risk for PrEP early loss to follow-up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Braz J Infect Dis 2022; 27:102733. [PMID: 36586721 PMCID: PMC9871061 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2022.102733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with emtricitabine/tenofovir (FTC/TDF) is highly effective in preventing HIV infection. This study aimed to identify factors associated with PrEP early loss to follow-up (ELFU) among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), travestis and transgender women (TGW). METHODOLOGY This was a prospective cohort study evaluating TGW and MSM who initiated PrEP at the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI-Fiocruz) from 2014 to 2020. ELFU was defined as not returning for a PrEP visit within 180 days after first dispensation. Exposure variables included age, gender, race, education, transactional sex, condomless anal intercourse [CAI] (both in the past six months), binge drinking and substance use (both in past three months) and syphilis diagnosis at baseline. Multilevel logistic regression models with random intercepts and fixed slopes were used to identify factors associated with ELFU accounting for clustering of participants according to their PrEP initiation study/context (PrEP Brasil, PrEParadas, ImPrEP and PrEP SUS). RESULTS Among 1,463 participants, the median age was 29 years (interquartile range 24-36), 83% self-identified as MSM, 17% as TGW, 24% were black, 37% mixed-black/pardo and 30% had < 12 years of education. Fifteen percent reported transactional sex, 59% reported CAI, 67% binge drinking, 33% substance use, and 15% had a syphilis diagnosis. Overall, 137 participants (9.7%) had ELFU. Younger age (18-24 years) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.9, 95%CI:1.2-3.2), TGW (aOR 2.8, 95%CI:1.6-4.8) and education < 12 years (aOR 1.9, 95%CI:1.2-2.9) were associated with greater odds of ELFU. CONCLUSION TGW, young individuals and those with lower education were at higher risk of PrEP ELFU. Our results suggest that the development of specific strategies targeting these populations should be a priority, through policies that aim to reduce the incidence of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Echeverría-Guevara
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Lara E. Coelho
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valdiléa G. Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria C. Pimenta
- Departamento de Doenças de Condições Crônicas e Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, Ministério da Saúde, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo I. Moreira
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Iuri Leite
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Emília M. Jalil
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sandra W. Cardoso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thiago S. Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Sanchez T, Sizemore KM, Jimenez RH, Jones SS, Petroll AE, Rendina HJ. The Use of HIV Pre- and Postexposure Prophylaxis Among a Web-Based Sample of HIV-Negative and Unknown Status Cisgender and Transgender Sexual Minority Men: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e31237. [PMID: 36306518 PMCID: PMC9804091 DOI: 10.2196/31237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disproportionately affects sexual minority men (SMM) in the United States. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine past HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) use and current and prior pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among a web-based sample of cisgender and transgender men who have sex with men. METHODS In 2019, HIV-negative and unknown status SMM (n=63,015) were recruited via geosocial networking apps, social media, and other web-based venues to participate in a brief eligibility screening survey. Individuals were asked about past PEP use and current and prior PrEP use. We examined associations of demographics, socioeconomic indicators, and recent club drug use with PEP and PrEP use, as well as the association between past PEP use and current and prior PrEP use using generalized linear models and multinomial logistic regression. Statistical significance was considered at P<.001, given the large sample size; 99.9% CIs are reported. RESULTS Prior PEP use was reported by 11.28% (7108/63,015) of the participants, with current or prior PrEP use reported by 21.95% (13,832/63,015) and 8.12% (5118/63,015), respectively. Nearly half (3268/7108, 46%) of the past PEP users were current PrEP users, and another 39.9% (2836/7108) of the participants who reported past PEP use also reported prior PrEP use. In multivariable analysis, past PEP use was associated with current (relative risk ratio [RRR] 23.53, 99.9% CI 14.03-39.46) and prior PrEP use (RRR 52.14, 99.9% CI 29.39-92.50). Compared with White men, Black men had higher prevalence of past PEP use and current PrEP use, Latino men had higher prevalence of PEP use but no significant difference in PrEP use, and those identifying as another race or ethnicity reported higher prevalence of past PEP use and lower current PrEP use. Past PEP use and current PrEP use were highest in the Northeast, with participants in the Midwest and South reporting significantly lower PEP and PrEP use. A significant interaction of Black race by past PEP use with current PrEP use was found (RRR 0.57, 99.9% CI 0.37-0.87), indicating that Black men who previously used PEP were less likely to report current PrEP use. Participants who reported recent club drug use were significantly more likely to report past PEP use and current or prior PrEP use than those without recent club drug use. CONCLUSIONS PrEP use continues to be the predominant HIV prevention strategy for SMM compared with PEP use. Higher rates of past PEP use and current PrEP use among Black SMM are noteworthy, given the disproportionate burden of HIV. Nonetheless, understanding why Black men who previously used PEP are less likely to report current PrEP use is an important avenue for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Marie Sizemore
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ruben H Jimenez
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - S Scott Jones
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andrew E Petroll
- Health Intervention Sciences Group / Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - H Jonathon Rendina
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
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Candler E, Naeem Khan M, Gratrix J, Plitt S, Stadnyk M, Smyczek P, Anderson N, Carter J, Sayers S, Smith D, Ugarte-Torres A, Shukalek C, Singh AE. Retrospective audit of a convenience cohort of individuals on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Alberta, Canada. JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CANADA = JOURNAL OFFICIEL DE L'ASSOCIATION POUR LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE ET L'INFECTIOLOGIE CANADA 2022; 7:350-363. [PMID: 37397818 PMCID: PMC10312220 DOI: 10.3138/jammi-2022-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We undertook an audit of a province-wide HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program in Alberta (Canada). METHODS A retrospective record review of individuals accessing PrEP in Alberta included demographics, PrEP indication(s), and reported non-prescription drug and alcohol use from March 2016 to June 2019. Hepatitis A, B, C, HIV and syphilis serology, serum creatinine, and nucleic acid amplification tests testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea were collected. Descriptive statistics, incidence, and prevalence were calculated. RESULTS A total of 511 participants were seen at STI, sexual, and reproductive health clinics and private family practitioner (FP) offices; 98.4% (503) were men, median age was 34 years (IQR 28-43 years), and 89.8% (459) were gay or bisexual men who have sex with men. Non-prescription drug use was reported by 39.3% (201) and alcohol use by 55.4% (283). 94.3% (482) reported condomless anal sex in the past 6 months. Testing rates were high (>95%) for all tests except for chlamydia and gonorrhea at the first follow-up visit 89.6%; (3-4 months). There was one HIV seroconversion. The incidence of new bacterial STIs was high: chlamydia 17 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI 13.5% to 21.4%), gonorrhea 11.14 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI 8.3% to 15.0%), and syphilis 1.94 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI 0.73% to 5.12%). CONCLUSIONS Following implementation of a provincial program for PrEP in Alberta, PrEP initiation and continuation was feasible in a range of settings and by both specialists and FPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Candler
- STI Services, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Muhammad Naeem Khan
- Health Protection Communicable Disease Control, Population, Public and Indigenous Health, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jennifer Gratrix
- STI Services, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sabrina Plitt
- Centre for Communicable Disease and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Stadnyk
- STI Services, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Petra Smyczek
- STI Services, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Natalie Anderson
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia Carter
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Donna Smith
- Red Deer Sexual Health Clinic, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alejandra Ugarte-Torres
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Caley Shukalek
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Eubanks A, Coulibaly B, Keita BD, Anoma C, Dah TTE, Mensah E, Maradan G, Bourrelly M, Mora M, Riegel L, Rojas Castro D, Yaya I, Spire B, Laurent C, Sagaon-Teyssier L. Loss to Follow-Up from HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Care in Men Who Have Sex with Men in West Africa. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112380. [PMID: 36366478 PMCID: PMC9695325 DOI: 10.3390/v14112380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss to follow-up (LTFU) from HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care compromises the goal of HIV elimination. We investigated the proportion of LTFU and associated risk factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) enrolled in a PrEP demonstration project in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. CohMSM-PrEP, a prospective cohort study, was conducted between November 2017 and June 2021 in community-based clinics. MSM aged 18 years or older at substantial risk of HIV infection received a comprehensive prevention package, including PrEP and peer education. LTFU was defined as not returning to the clinic for six months. Associated risk factors were investigated using a time-varying Cox's model. Of 647 participants followed up for a median time of 15 months, 372 were LTFU (57.5%). LTFU was associated with younger age (adjusted hazard ratio [95% Confidence Interval]; 1.50 [1.17-1.94]), unemployment (1.33 [1.03-1.71]), depression (1.63 [1.12-2.38]), and perceiving no HIV risk with stable male partners (1.61 [1.23-2.10]). Contacting peer educators outside of scheduled visits was protective (0.74 [0.56-0.97]). Our findings show that LTFU from PrEP care in West African MSM is a major challenge to achieving HIV elimination, but that the involvement of peer educators in PrEP delivery helps to limit LTFU by providing users with adequate support.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Eubanks
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
- Correspondence: (A.E.); (L.S.-T.)
| | | | | | | | - Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou 01 BP 2831, Burkina Faso
- UFR Sciences de la Santé, Université de Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya 01 BP 346, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Gwenaëlle Maradan
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Michel Bourrelly
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, 93500 Pantin, France
| | - Marion Mora
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Lucas Riegel
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, 93500 Pantin, France
| | - Daniela Rojas Castro
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, 93500 Pantin, France
| | - Issifou Yaya
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, IRD, 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Christian Laurent
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, IRD, 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Luis Sagaon-Teyssier
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l’Information Médicale, ISSPAM, 13005 Marseille, France
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Bamako BP E2561, Mali
- Correspondence: (A.E.); (L.S.-T.)
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35
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Caba AE, Rathus T, Burson E, Chan PA, Eaton LA, Watson RJ. Who is using PrEP on-demand? Factors associated with PrEP use modality among Black and Hispanic/Latino emerging adults. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3411-3421. [PMID: 35438349 PMCID: PMC9912752 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03684-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly efficacious HIV prevention medication, yet Black and Hispanic/Latino sexual minority men's and gender diverse individuals' (SMMGD) PrEP use is limited due to factors such as PrEP barriers and anticipated PrEP stigma. Although most individuals who use PrEP take it as a daily regimen, there is evidence that many SMMGD are interested in using "on-demand" (also known as event-driven or intermittent or 2-1-1) PrEP. We used stepwise multinomial logistic regression to explore factors associated with on-demand, daily, and no PrEP use among 820 Black and Hispanic/Latino SMMGD ages 18-29 in the United States. We found that greater reported PrEP barriers were associated with higher odds of using PrEP on-demand or not using PrEP compared to daily PrEP use. More past 3-month sex partners and greater comfort telling others about PrEP use were associated with lower odds of on-demand compared to daily PrEP use. In addition, compared to daily PrEP use, more past 3-month sex partners, greater comfort telling others about PrEP use, and higher anticipated PrEP stigma were associated with lower odds of no current PrEP use compared to daily PrEP use. Findings may inform clinical practices and interventions to promote PrEP uptake and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia E Caba
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US.
| | - Taylor Rathus
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US
| | - Esther Burson
- Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, US
| | - Philip A Chan
- Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, US
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US
| | - Ryan J Watson
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, US
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36
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Eubanks A, Coulibaly B, Dembélé Keita B, Anoma C, Dah TTE, Mensah E, Kaba S, Lokrou KJ, Ouedraogo FR, Badjassim AMF, Maradan G, Bourrelly M, Mora M, Riegel L, Rojas Castro D, Yaya I, Spire B, Laurent C, Sagaon-Teyssier L. Socio-behavioral correlates of pre-exposure prophylaxis use and correct adherence in men who have sex with men in West Africa. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1832. [PMID: 36175860 PMCID: PMC9520809 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14211-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple barriers compromise pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement (i.e., use and adherence) in men who have sex with men (MSM). In low/middle-income countries, little is known about PrEP engagement in this population. In West Africa, the CohMSM-PrEP study was one of the rare interventions providing PrEP to MSM. We estimated PrEP use and correct adherence rates in CohMSM-PrEP, together with associated factors over time. METHODS: CohMSM-PrEP recruited MSM in four community-based clinics in Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Togo. Quarterly follow-up included collecting socio-behavioral data, and providing a comprehensive HIV prevention package, PrEP (daily or event-driven), and peer educator (PE)-led counselling. Using repeated measures, multivariate generalized estimating equations models were used to identify factors associated with self-reported i) PrEP use and ii) correct PrEP adherence during participants' most recent anal intercourse (defined as four pills/week for daily users and 2 + 1 + 1 for event-driven users). RESULTS Five hundred twenty participants were included with a median follow-up time of 12 months (IQR 6-21). Of the 2839 intercourses declared over the follow-up period, PrEP use was self-reported for 1996 (70%), and correct PrEP adherence for 1461 (73%) of the latter. PrEP use was higher in participants who also attended participating clinics outside of scheduled visits (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) [95% Confidence Interval, CI], p-value; 1.32[1.01-1.71], 0.040), and in those who practiced condomless anal sex (1.86[1.54-2.24], < 0.001). Correct adherence was higher in those who often contacted PE outside of scheduled visits (2.16[1.01-4.64], 0.047) and in participants who adopted receptive/versatile sexual positions with stable partners (1.36[1.03-1.81], 0.030). Instead, after an interaction effect between financial situation and regimen was tested, it was lower in event-driven users with a difficult/very difficult financial situation (comfortable/just making ends meet & daily, 4.19[2.56-6.86], < 0.001; difficult/very difficult & daily, 6.47[4.05-10.30], < 0.001; comfortable/just making ends meet & event-driven, 1.63[1.22-2.17], 0.001), and in participants who felt alone (0.76[0.58-0.99], 0.042). CONCLUSIONS Community-based clinic attendance and PE contact outside of scheduled visits were both associated with higher PrEP engagement, but some socially and economically marginalized participants struggled with adherence. As scale-up continues in West Africa, we recommend implementing community-based interventions and providing extra support for vulnerable users to ensure adequate PrEP engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Eubanks
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.
| | | | | | | | - Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre Muraz, Centre Muraz, Institut National de Santé Publique, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gwenaëlle Maradan
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.,ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de La Santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Bourrelly
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.,Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Marion Mora
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Lucas Riegel
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Daniela Rojas Castro
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.,Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Issifou Yaya
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, IRD, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Luis Sagaon-Teyssier
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques and Sociales de La Santé and Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.,ARCAD Santé PLUS, Bamako, Mali
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Ndenkeh JJN, Bowring AL, Njindam IM, Folem RD, Fako GCH, Ngueguim FG, Gayou OL, Lepawa K, Minka CM, Batoum CM, Georges S, Temgoua E, Nzima V, Kob DA, Akiy ZZ, Philbrick W, Levitt D, Curry D, Baral S. HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Uptake and Continuation Among Key Populations in Cameroon: Lessons Learned From the CHAMP Program. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 91:39-46. [PMID: 35536113 PMCID: PMC9377496 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is proven to be a highly effective HIV prevention method for key populations. However, its scale-up in resource-limited settings remains suboptimal. This paper seeks to describe PrEP initiation and continuation among key populations in Cameroon. METHODOLOGY From June 2019 through October 2020, we collected routine program data on PrEP uptake and continuation among female sex workers (FSWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Continuum of prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS with Most-at-risk Populations (CHAMP) program in Cameroon. PrEP was offered to clients who tested negative for HIV and were assessed to potentially benefit from PrEP. Using survival analysis, we identified factors associated with PrEP discontinuation over time with significance set at 5%. RESULTS Overall, 27,750 clients were sensitized for PrEP of whom 3,138 persons were eligible to start PrEP and 1,409 (45%; FSW: 691 and MSM: 718) initiated PrEP. The PrEP continuation rate was 37% at 3 months, 28% at 6 months and 19% at 12 months. PrEP discontinuation was significantly higher among FSW than MSM [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2 to 1.9)] in Yaounde [aHR 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2 to 1.9)] and Bafoussam/Bertoua [aHR 3.1 (2.2-4.5)] relative to Douala. Discontinuation was lower among those with moderate [aHR 0.3 (0.3-0.4)] or good adherence [aHR 0.4 (0.3-0.6)] compared with poor adherence (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Differentiated approaches to deliver PrEP, create demand, and provide more intensive support for adherence and continuation may support scale-up of PrEP in Cameroon for equitable and prolonged impact on HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Jr Nforbewing Ndenkeh
- Care International in Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- CIH Center for International Health, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna L. Bowring
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- John Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kelly Lepawa
- Care and Health Program (CHP), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Edith Temgoua
- National AIDS Control Committee (NACC), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Valery Nzima
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Yaoundé, Cameroon; and
| | - David Anouar Kob
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Yaoundé, Cameroon; and
| | - Zacheus Zeh Akiy
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Yaoundé, Cameroon; and
| | | | | | | | - Stefan Baral
- John Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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38
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Rogers BG, Sosnowy C, Zanowick-Marr A, Chan PA, Mena LA, Patel RR, Goedel WC, Arnold T, Chu C, Galipeau D, Montgomery MC, Curoe K, Underwood A, Villalobos J, Gomillia C, Nunn AS. Facilitators for retaining men who have sex with men in pre-exposure prophylaxis care in real world clinic settings within the United States. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:673. [PMID: 35931953 PMCID: PMC9354303 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07658-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can significantly reduce HIV acquisition especially among communities with high HIV prevalence, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Much research has been finding suboptimal PrEP persistence; however, few studies examine factors that enhance PrEP persistence in real-world settings. METHODS We interviewed 33 patients who identified as MSM at three different PrEP clinics in three regions of the U.S. (Northeast, South, Midwest). Participants were eligible if they took PrEP and had been retained in care for a minimum of 6 months. Interviews explored social, structural, clinic-level and behavioral factors that influencing PrEP persistence. RESULTS Through thematic analysis we identified the following factors as promoting PrEP persistence: (1) navigation to reduce out-of-pocket costs of PrEP (structural), (2) social norms that support PrEP use (social), (3) access to LGBTQ + affirming medical providers (clinical), (4) medication as part of a daily routine (behavioral), and (5) facilitation of sexual health agency (belief). DISCUSSION In this sample, persistence in PrEP care was associated with structural and social supports as well as a high level of perceived internal control over protecting their health by taking PrEP. Patients might benefit from increased access, LGBTQ + affirming medical providers, and communications that emphasize PrEP can promote sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke G. Rogers
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - C. Sosnowy
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - A. Zanowick-Marr
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - P. A. Chan
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA ,grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - L. A. Mena
- grid.410721.10000 0004 1937 0407Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA ,grid.410721.10000 0004 1937 0407Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
| | - R. R. Patel
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - W. C. Goedel
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - T. Arnold
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - C. Chu
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - D. Galipeau
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - M. C. Montgomery
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903 USA
| | - K. Curoe
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - A. Underwood
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - J. Villalobos
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - C. Gomillia
- grid.410721.10000 0004 1937 0407Department of Population Health Science, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216 USA
| | - A. S. Nunn
- grid.40263.330000 0004 1936 9094Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02903 USA
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Johnson KA, Levy M, Brosnan H, Kohn RP, Cohen SE. Texting Lost-to-follow-up PrEP Patients from a San Francisco Sexual Health Clinic. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2022; 23:1448-1456. [PMID: 35841493 PMCID: PMC9287824 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-022-01397-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
It is critical to understand what happens when PrEP patients are lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) and, where appropriate, attempt to re-engage them in care with the goal of preventing future human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. We evaluated the benefits and limitations of using text-based outreach to re-engage with LTFU PrEP patients and offer re-initiation of PrEP care. Using text-messaging, we surveyed San Francisco City Clinic patients who started PrEP from January 2015 to October 2019 and were LTFU by October 1, 2020. Our goals were to better understand (1) whether our patients remained on PrEP through another provider or source, (2) why patients choose to discontinue PrEP, and (3) whether text-based outreach could successfully re-engage such patients in care. Multiple-choice survey questions were analyzed quantitatively to determine the proportion of respondents selecting each option; free-text responses were analyzed qualitatively using an inductive approach to identify any additional recurring themes. Of 846 eligible survey recipients, 130 responded (overall response rate 15.4%). Forty-two respondents (32.3%) were still on PrEP through another provider while 88 (67.7%) were not. Common reasons for stopping PrEP included: COVID-19–related changes in sex life (32.3% of responses), concerns regarding side effects (17.7%), and the need to take a daily pill (8.3%). Free text responses revealed additional concerns regarding risk compensation. While 32 participants agreed to be contacted by City clinic staff for PrEP counseling, only 6 were reached by phone and none of the six subsequently restarted PrEP. We learned that text messaging is a possible approach to survey certain PrEP program participants to determine who is truly LTFU and off PrEP, and to better understand reasons for PrEP discontinuation. While such information could prove valuable as programs seek to address barriers to PrEP retention, efforts to improve acceptability and increase response rates would be necessary. We were less successful in re-engaging LTFU patients in PrEP care, suggesting that text-messaging may not be the optimal strategy for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Johnson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave., Rm S380, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- Population Health Division, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Montica Levy
- Population Health Division, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hannah Brosnan
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert P Kohn
- Population Health Division, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie E Cohen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave., Rm S380, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Population Health Division, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Nhamo D, Duma SE, Ojewole EB, Chibanda D, Cowan FM. Factors motivating female sex workers to initiate pre- exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264470. [PMID: 35797351 PMCID: PMC9262226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sex workers (FSWs) have a 26 times greater chance of HIV infection compared to the women in the general population. The World Health Organization recommends pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for population groups with an HIV incidence of 3% or higher and FSWs in southern Africa fit this criteria. This study sought to understand factors that motivate FSWs to initiate PrEP, in Harare, Zimbabwe. METHODS We purposively selected and recruited 20 FSWs to participate in the study in-order to gain an in-depth understanding of factors that motivate FSWs to initiate PrEP in Harare, Zimbabwe. We identified FSW who had been initiated on PrEP at a specialized clinic providing comprehensive sexual reproductive health (SRH) services for sex workers including HIV prevention options. We used a descriptive phenomenological approach to collect and analyze the data. Data was analyzed using Colaizzi's seven steps to analyze data. FINDINGS Two broad themes were identified as intrinsic and extrinsic motivators. The two broad themes each have several sub-themes. The sub-themes under intrinsic motivation were (i) Self- protection from HIV infection and (ii) condoms bursting. Six sub-themes were identified as external motivators for initiating PrEP, these included (i) occupational risk associated with sex work, (ii) increased chance of offering unprotected sex as a motivator to initiate PrEP, (iii) positive encouragement from others (iv) need to take care of the children and (v) prior participation in HIV prevention research studies and (vi) Gender Based Violence. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the factors that motivate FSWs to initiate PrEP is critical in developing contextually appropriate strategies to promote PrEP initiation and adherence strategies within specific and eligible populations for receiving PrEP according to the WHO guidelines (2015).
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Affiliation(s)
- Definate Nhamo
- Department of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinegugu E. Duma
- Department of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth B. Ojewole
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Dixon Chibanda
- Department of psychiatry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Frances M. Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research (CeSHHAR) Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Unger ZD, Golub SA, Borges C, Edelstein ZR, Hedberg T, Myers J. Reasons for PrEP Discontinuation After Navigation at Sexual Health Clinics: Interactions Among Systemic Barriers, Behavioral Relevance, and Medication Concerns. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:316-324. [PMID: 35286280 PMCID: PMC9203912 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention requires engagement throughout the PrEP care continuum. Using data from a PrEP navigation program, we examine reasons for PrEP discontinuation. SETTING Participants were recruited from New York City Health Department Sexual Health Clinics with PrEP navigation programs. METHODS Participants completed a survey and up to 3 interviews about PrEP navigation and use. This analysis includes 94 PrEP initiators that were PrEP-naive before their clinic visit, started PrEP during the study, and completed at least 2 interviews. Interview transcripts were reviewed to assess reasons for PrEP discontinuation. RESULTS Approximately half of PrEP initiators discontinued PrEP during the study period (n = 44; 47%). Most participants (71%) noted systemic issues (insurance or financial problems, clinic or pharmacy logistics, and scheduling barriers) as reasons for discontinuation. One-third cited medication concerns (side effects, potential long-term side effects, and medication beliefs; 32%) and behavioral factors (low relevance of PrEP because of sexual behavior change; 34%) as contributing reasons. Over half (53.5%) highlighted systemic issues alone, while an additional 19% attributed discontinuation to systemic issues in combination with other factors. Of those who discontinued, approximately one-third (30%) restarted PrEP during the follow-up period, citing resolution of systemic issues or behavior change that increased PrEP relevance. CONCLUSIONS PrEP continuation is dependent on interacting factors and often presents complex hurdles for patients to navigate. To promote sustained engagement in PrEP care, financial, clinic, and pharmacy barriers must be addressed and counseling and navigation should acknowledge factors beyond sexual risk that influence PrEP use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe D Unger
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY
| | - Sarit A Golub
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY
- Basic and Applied Social Psychology (BASP) PhD Program, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY
- Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY Center for AIDS Research (ERC-CFAR), New York, NY
| | - Christine Borges
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Public Health Clinics, New York, NY
| | - Zoe R Edelstein
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV and STI, New York, NY
| | - Trevor Hedberg
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Public Health Clinics, New York, NY
- Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL; and
| | - Julie Myers
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV and STI, New York, NY
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
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Newcomb ME, Sarno EL, Bettin E, Conway A, Carey J, Garcia C, Hill R, Jozsa K, Swann G, Addington EL, Ciolino JD, Macapagal K, Moskowitz JT, Mustanski B, Whitton SW. Protocol for an attention-matched randomized controlled trial of 2GETHER: a relationship education and HIV prevention program for young male couples. Trials 2022; 23:514. [PMID: 35725624 PMCID: PMC9207885 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06457-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic in the USA, and a large number of new infections among YMSM occur in the context of main or primary partnerships. At the same time, healthy romantic relationships promote health and wellbeing by improving social support and encouraging healthy behaviors. Thus, we created 2GETHER: a relationship education and HIV prevention program for young male couples. 2GETHER is delivered face-to-face in a university setting and is composed of two group sessions and two individualized skills coaching sessions. We observed strong support of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of 2GETHER in a pilot trial. METHODS We are conducting an attention-matched randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of 2GETHER relative to a control condition based on a well-validated positive affect enhancement program. Enrollment occurred between August 2017 and March 2021 in Chicago and surrounding areas, and we enrolled and randomized 128 dyads (N = 256 individuals). Follow-up is ongoing and we will examine primary and secondary behavioral outcomes at 12 months post-intervention, with interim follow-up at 3, 6, and 9 months post-intervention. The primary biomedical outcome is sexually transmitted infection incidence at a 12-month follow-up. DISCUSSION 2GETHER is innovative in that it places an equal emphasis on relationship skill building and HIV prevention. Thus, the program has the potential to impact numerous health-related outcomes. Despite challenges related to the recruitment of couples and the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to enroll a robust sample of young male couples with sufficient power to detect effects on study outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03186534 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E. Newcomb
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Elissa L. Sarno
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Emily Bettin
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Adam Conway
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - James Carey
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Christopher Garcia
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Ricky Hill
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Kyle Jozsa
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Gregory Swann
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Elizabeth L. Addington
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Jody D. Ciolino
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Kathryn Macapagal
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Judith T. Moskowitz
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Sarah W. Whitton
- grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH USA
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Doherty R, Walsh JL, Quinn KG, John SA. Association of Race and Other Social Determinants of Health With HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use: A County-Level Analysis Using the PrEP-to-Need Ratio. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2022; 34:183-194. [PMID: 35647866 PMCID: PMC9196948 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.3.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Research is limited on the effect of racism and social determinants of health on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. This study used the PrEP-to-Need Ratio (PNR), which measures PrEP prescriptions divided by HIV diagnoses in the county, to evaluate sufficient PrEP use. AIDSVu datasets were compared to county-level social determinants of health. Standardized regression coefficients (β) were compared to identify strongest associations with PNR. Overall, factors including percent African American and percent uninsured had negative correlations with PNR, whereas median household income and severe housing cost burden had positive associations. Stratifying for population size, percent African American, percent uninsured, and severe housing cost burden were significant for low population areas, whereas median household income, percent in poverty, percent uninsured, and percent African American were significant for large populations. To reduce PrEP disparities, public health must develop strategies to reach those most in need, especially historically disadvantaged communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Doherty
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Walsh
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Katherine G. Quinn
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Steven A. John
- Center for AIDS Intervention Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Jourdain H, de Gage SB, Desplas D, Dray-Spira R. Real-world effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis in men at high risk of HIV infection in France: a nested case-control study. THE LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 7:e529-e536. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(22)00106-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Eubanks A, Coulibaly B, Dembélé Keita B, Anoma C, Dah TTE, Mensah E, Maradan G, Bourrelly M, Mora M, Riegel L, Rojas Castro D, Yaya I, Spire B, Laurent C, Sagaon-Teyssier L. Rate and Predictors of Ineffective HIV Protection in African Men Who Have Sex with Men Taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:3524-3537. [PMID: 35469111 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03692-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the rate and predictors of ineffective HIV protection in men who have sex with men (MSM) taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a prospective cohort study from November 2017 to November 2020 in Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Togo. MSM had to be 18 years or older and at high risk of HIV infection to participate. They also received a comprehensive sexual health prevention package, including PrEP, in community-based clinics as part of the cohort study. Using socio-behavioral/clinical data, HIV protection during their most recent anal intercourse with a male partner was categorized as effective or ineffective (i.e., incorrect PrEP adherence and no condom use). Seventeen percent (500/2839) of intercourses were ineffectively protected for the 520 study participants. Predictors of ineffective HIV protection included being an event-driven user with financial difficulties, having a high alcohol misuse score, and not being a member of a community association. PrEP programs in West Africa must be tailored to socially vulnerable MSM who struggle to adopt PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Eubanks
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.
| | | | | | | | - Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- Institut National de Santé Publique, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Gwenaëlle Maradan
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
- ORS PACA, Observatoire Régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - Michel Bourrelly
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Marion Mora
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - Lucas Riegel
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Daniela Rojas Castro
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | - Issifou Yaya
- TransVIHMI, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, IRD, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Luis Sagaon-Teyssier
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de L'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
- ARCAD Santé PLUS, Bamako, Mali
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Vanbaelen T, Rotsaert A, Jacobs BK, Florence E, Kenyon C, Vuylsteke B, Laga M, Thijs R. Why Do HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Users Discontinue Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Care? A Mixed Methods Survey in a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Clinic in Belgium. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:159-167. [PMID: 35438524 PMCID: PMC9057878 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2021.0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
It remains unclear why patients discontinue HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care and to what extent they remain at risk for HIV when they do. We reviewed routinely collected medical records and patient questionnaires and performed an e-mail/telephone survey to assess reasons for discontinuing PrEP care, ongoing risks for HIV infection, and associated factors. Patients with more than two registered PrEP visits from a PrEP clinic in Antwerp, Belgium between June 2017 and February 2020 were included in this study. Patients who did not return for a visit after October 30, 2019 and who were not transferred out were considered as having discontinued PrEP care. A total of 143/1073 patients were considered as having discontinued PrEP care. Patients who discontinued PrEP care were more likely to be younger than those who remained in care (35 vs. 38 years old, p < 0.01). The most common reasons for discontinuation were having stopped using PrEP (62/101, 61.4%) and "COVID-19" (n = 35, 34.7%). The most common reasons for stopping PrEP use was a decreased sexual activity due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; 21/62, 33.9%) or not COVID-19 related (10/62, 16.1%), a monogamous relationship (20/62, 32.3%) and consistent condom use (7/62, 11.3%). Among respondents who reported about current HIV risk the majority reported being at low risk either by still taking PrEP (32/91, 35.2%), consistently using condoms, or limiting number of sex acts or partners (58/91, 52.7%). No HIV seroconversion was reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Vanbaelen
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anke Rotsaert
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Bart K.M. Jacobs
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eric Florence
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Chris Kenyon
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marie Laga
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Reyniers Thijs
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Rowe K, Theodore DA, Zucker J, Cohensedgh O, LaSota E, Carnevale C, Cohall A, Olender S, Gordon P, Sobieszczyk ME. Lost2PrEP: Understanding Reasons for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Sexual Health Care Disengagement Among Men Who Have Sex with Men Attending a Sexual Health Clinic at a Large Urban Academic Medical Center in New York City. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:153-158. [PMID: 35438522 PMCID: PMC9057871 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2022.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents HIV, but low rates of retention in care limit its effectiveness. We conducted a prospective survey-based study to investigate reasons for PrEP disengagement among men who have sex with men attending a sexual health clinic at a large urban academic medical center in New York City who were lost to follow up; surveys asked about current PrEP status, reasons for disengagement, attitudes toward PrEP, substance use, sexual practices, and behavioral/social determinants of health. Outreach attempts were made to 634 patients; majority of eligible participants were unable to be contacted (59%). Among those who agreed to participate (n = 175), 21% asked to re-establish care. Among those who completed the questionnaire (n = 86), 36% were taking PrEP. The most common reasons for PrEP discontinuation were cost/lack of insurance coverage (31%), decreased HIV risk perception (29%), and side effects (16%). Among those with decreased perception of risk, 62% were less sexually active, 38% were no longer engaging in anal sex, and 31% were using condoms for prevention. Participants reported that free medication (60%), having a sexual partner recommend PrEP (13%), and being able to receive PrEP from a primary care provider (13%) would encourage restarting PrEP. Findings were limited by low response rate (12% of eligible subjects completed the survey) and lack of Spanish-language questionnaires. Understanding reasons for loss-to-PrEP follow-up is essential for HIV prevention. Many people lost to follow up still desired PrEP, underscoring the importance of outreach, benefits navigators, and expansion of PrEP into primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Rowe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Deborah A. Theodore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason Zucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Omid Cohensedgh
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elijah LaSota
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Caroline Carnevale
- NYP HIV Prevention Program, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alwyn Cohall
- Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susan Olender
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Peter Gordon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Magdalena E. Sobieszczyk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Predictors of Re-Initiation of Daily Oral Preexposure Prophylaxis Regimen After Discontinuation. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2931-2940. [PMID: 35267107 PMCID: PMC8907393 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03625-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Daily oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for reducing HIV transmission is recommended for those at elevated risk, including sexual gender and minorities assigned male at birth (SGM-AMAB). Few studies have examined re-initiation among PrEP discontinuers, which is critical to ensuring optimization of PrEP’s protection. The current study examined predictors of re-initiation in a longitudinal sample of SGM-AMAB PrEP discontinuers (n = 253) from 10 waves of an ongoing cohort study (analytic n = 1,129). Multilevel structural equation models were used to examine the effects of psycho-social variables on re-initiation. In adjusted models, health insurance, and partner HIV positive status were significantly positively associated with PrEP re-initation. Being bisexual was significantly negatively associated with re-initiation relative to gay participants. Single status and open relationship agreements were associated with higher odds of re-initiation relative to monogamous relationships. Findings suggest that demographic, partnership characteristics and structural factors influence decisions to re-initiate PrEP after discontinuation.
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Huang W, Lockard A, Kelley CF, Serota DP, Rolle CPM, Sullivan PS, Rosenberg ES, Siegler AJ. From declining PrEP to PrEP initiation as "first nature" - what changes PrEP initiation decisions among young, Black MSM. AIDS Care 2022; 34:284-293. [PMID: 34369230 PMCID: PMC8825883 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1960946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) bear a disproportionate burden of HIV, and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake has been slow. Decisions regarding PrEP initiation change in different life contexts over time. Our YBMSM cohort study found about 1/3 of those who initially declined PrEP subsequently changed and initiated PrEP care. This study explores the process of their PrEP decision changes. The study interviewed participants who initially voiced strong and clear reservations about PrEP, but subsequently started PrEP 1-14 months later. In "review/renew" follow-up interviews, participants reviewed their past statements from a time they declined PrEP, and renew their understanding regarding perspective and behavioral change. Analyzing the data with a positive deviance framework, we found that shifting the decisional balance in favor of PrEP initiation only required change in some areas. There were not consistent factors that prevented or facilitated PrEP uptake. Instead, YBMSM initiated PrEP while maintaining an array of substantial reservations. PrEP initiation discussions should be viewed by health practitioners as a longitudinal process, and routine PrEP offers should be made over time. To optimally facilitate PrEP use among YBMSM, the diverse benefits of PrEP should be emphasized rather than focusing on allaying all concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Huang
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Annie Lockard
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Colleen F. Kelley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - David P. Serota
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Patrick S. Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Eli S. Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Albany School of Public Health, SUNY, Albany, New York
| | - Aaron J. Siegler
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia,Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Sullivan PS, Siegler AJ. What will it take to meet UNAIDS targets for preexposure prophylaxis users? Curr Opin Infect Dis 2022; 35:1-8. [PMID: 34879049 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a critical strategy to curb new HIV infections globally. National and global targets have been set for people starting PrEP. However, global PrEP initiations fell short of UNAIDS 2020 targets, and reflection is needed on how we set and meet targets for PrEP use. RECENT FINDINGS Recent literature documents challenges to meeting ambitious goals for PrEP coverage in multiple phases of PrEP: PrEP initiations are limited by gaps in the identification of those who might benefit from PrEP. Conversely, getting PrEP to those who need it most is threatened by inaccurate risk perception and HIV and PrEP stigma. Once people are on PrEP, a substantial number discontinue PrEP in the first year (the 'PrEP Cliff'), a finding that is robust across groups of PrEP users (e.g., women, men who have sex with men, transwomen) and across global prevention settings. Further, PrEP inequities - by which we refer to utilization of PrEP in a specific group that is not commensurate with their epidemic risk - threaten the overall population benefit of PrEP because those at highest risk of acquiring HIV are not adequately protected. SUMMARY To realize global goals for PrEP utilization and impact, we must address multiple points of PrEP delivery programs that address not just PrEP starts, but also retention in PrEP and measurement and accountability to PrEP equity. We call for new approaches to better identify PrEP candidates, suggest additional research to address the known and consistent reasons for PrEP discontinuations, and advocate for metrics to measure and be accountable to PrEP equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sean Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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