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Volk JE, Leyden WA, Lea AN, Lee C, Donnelly MC, Krakower DS, Lee K, Liu VX, Marcus JL, Silverberg MJ. Using Electronic Health Records to Improve HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Care: A Randomized Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:362-369. [PMID: 38412047 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use remains limited and inequitable, and strategies are needed to improve PrEP provision in primary care. METHODS We conducted a cluster randomized trial at Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco, to evaluate the effectiveness of a clinical decision support intervention guided by an electronic health record (EHR)-based HIV risk prediction model to improve PrEP provision. Primary care providers (PCPs) were randomized to usual care or intervention, with PCPs who provide care to people with HIV balanced between arms. PCPs in the intervention arm received an EHR-based staff message with prompts to discuss HIV prevention and PrEP before upcoming in-person or video visits with patients whose predicted 3-year HIV risk was above a prespecified threshold. The main study outcome was initiation of PrEP care within 90 days, defined as PrEP discussions, referrals, or prescription fills. RESULTS One hundred twenty-one PCPs had 5051 appointments with eligible patients (2580 usual care; 2471 intervention). There was a nonsignificant increase in initiation of PrEP care in the intervention arm (6.0% vs 4.5%, HR 1.32, 95% CI: 0.84 to 2.1). There was a significant interaction by HIV provider status, with an intervention HR of 2.59 (95% CI: 1.30 to 5.16) for HIV providers and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.59 to 1.35) for non-HIV providers (P-interaction <0.001). CONCLUSION An EHR-based intervention guided by an HIV risk prediction model substantially increased initiation of PrEP care among patients of PCPs who also care for people with HIV. Higher-intensity interventions may be needed to improve PrEP provision among PCPs less familiar with PrEP and HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan E Volk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Wendy A Leyden
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Alexandra N Lea
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Catherine Lee
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | | | - Douglas S Krakower
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; and
| | - Kristine Lee
- Department of Adult and Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Vincent X Liu
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Julia L Marcus
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
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Ridgway JP, Devlin SA, Friedman EE, Enaholo OE, Pyra M, Hirschhorn LR, Haider S, Ducheny K, Johnson AK. POWER Up-Improving pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among Black cisgender women in the Southern United States: Protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial (SW-CRT). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285858. [PMID: 37196008 PMCID: PMC10191268 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285858] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV disproportionately affects Black/African American cisgender women (hereafter women) in the United States. Despite its proven effectiveness, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention remains vastly under-prescribed to women based on their need. Increasing PrEP uptake and persistence among women is crucial to reducing HIV transmission; however, there have been few studies designed specifically for women. This article describes the study protocol used to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of implementation strategies to improve PrEP uptake and persistence among Black women in the Midwest and South. METHODS PrEP Optimization among Women to Enhance Retention and Uptake (POWER Up) is an evidence-based, woman-focused set of five implementation science strategies that addresses barriers of PrEP utilization at the provider, patient, and clinic levels. POWER Up includes 1) routine PrEP education for patients, 2) standardized provider training, 3) electronic medical record (EMR) optimization, 4) PrEP navigation, and 5) PrEP clinical champions. These strategies will be adapted to specific clinics for implementation, tested via a stepped-wedge trial, and, if effective, packaged for further dissemination. DISCUSSION We will utilize a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial (SW-CRT) to measure change in PrEP utilization across diverse geographic areas. Preparation for adapting and implementing the bundle of strategies is needed to determine how to tailor them to specific clinics. Implementation challenges will include adapting strategies with the available resources at each site, maintaining stakeholder involvement and staff buy-in, adjusting the study protocol and planned procedures as needed, and ensuring minimal crossover. Additionally, strengths and limitations of each strategy must be examined before, during, and after the adaptation and implementation processes. Finally, the implementation outcomes of the strategies must be evaluated to determine the real-world success of the strategies. This study is an important step toward addressing the inequity in PrEP service delivery and increasing PrEP utilization among Black women in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica P. Ridgway
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Samantha A. Devlin
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Eleanor E. Friedman
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Ososese E. Enaholo
- The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Maria Pyra
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Lisa R. Hirschhorn
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Sadia Haider
- Division of Family Planning, Rush University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Kelly Ducheny
- Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Amy K. Johnson
- The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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Teng F, Sha Y, Fletcher LM, Welsch M, Burns P, Tang W. Barriers to uptake of PrEP across the continuum among transgender women: A global scoping review. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:299-314. [PMID: 36793197 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231152781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated high efficacy for HIV prevention, rates of PrEP uptake remain low among the transgender population, especially in transgender women (TGW). We conducted this scoping review to assess and characterize barriers to PrEP use along the PrEP care continuum among TGW. METHODS We conducted this scoping review by searching studies in Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included: reporting a PrEP related quantitative result among TGW; peer-reviewed and published in English between 2010-2021. RESULTS Globally, high willingness (80%) to use PrEP was found, yet uptake and adherence (35.4%) were low. TGW experiencing hardship, including poverty, incarceration, and substance use, were associated with higher odds of PrEP awareness but lower odds of PrEP use. Structural and social barriers such as stigma, medical mistrust, and perceived racism can be important barriers for PrEP continuation. High social cohesion and hormone replacement therapy were associated with greater odds of awareness. In addition, our study confirmed prior research showing that PrEP does not lower feminizing hormone levels in TGW. CONCLUSIONS Significant demographic factors among TGW that are associated with PrEP engagement. It is imperative to focus on TGW as a population with independent needs, requiring specific PrEP care guidelines and tailored resource allocation, that fully considers individual-, provider-, and community/structural-level barriers and facilitators. The present review also indicates that combining PrEP care with GAHT or broader gender-affirmation care may facilitate PrEP use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Teng
- Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Yongjie Sha
- 568921University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lauren M Fletcher
- Department of Academic Affairs, Rowland Medical Library, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Michael Welsch
- Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Paul Burns
- Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Weiming Tang
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, 568921University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
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Burns CM, Pung L, Witt D, Gao M, Sendak M, Balu S, Krakower D, Marcus JL, Okeke NL, Clement ME. Development of a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Risk Prediction Model Using Electronic Health Record Data From an Academic Health System in the Southern United States. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:299-306. [PMID: 36125084 PMCID: PMC10202432 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is underutilized in the southern United States. Rapid identification of individuals vulnerable to diagnosis of HIV using electronic health record (EHR)-based tools may augment PrEP uptake in the region. METHODS Using machine learning, we developed EHR-based models to predict incident HIV diagnosis as a surrogate for PrEP candidacy. We included patients from a southern medical system with encounters between October 2014 and August 2016, training the model to predict incident HIV diagnosis between September 2016 and August 2018. We obtained 74 EHR variables as potential predictors. We compared Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) versus least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression models, and assessed performance, overall and among women, using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and area under precision recall curve (AUPRC). RESULTS Of 998 787 eligible patients, 162 had an incident HIV diagnosis, of whom 49 were women. The XGBoost model outperformed the LASSO model for the total cohort, achieving an AUROC of 0.89 and AUPRC of 0.01. The female-only cohort XGBoost model resulted in an AUROC of 0.78 and AUPRC of 0.00025. The most predictive variables for the overall cohort were race, sex, and male partner. The strongest positive predictors for the female-only cohort were history of pelvic inflammatory disease, drug use, and tobacco use. CONCLUSIONS Our machine-learning models were able to effectively predict incident HIV diagnoses including among women. This study establishes feasibility of using these models to identify persons most suitable for PrEP in the South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M Burns
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Leland Pung
- School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Institute for Health Innovation, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Witt
- Duke Institute for Health Innovation, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael Gao
- Duke Institute for Health Innovation, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mark Sendak
- Duke Institute for Health Innovation, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Suresh Balu
- Duke Institute for Health Innovation, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Douglas Krakower
- Division of Infectious Disease, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia L Marcus
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nwora Lance Okeke
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meredith E Clement
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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5
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Hamilton K, Hasney L, Cohn T, Posnak JP. PrEP Demographics and Disparity: The Race, Ethnicity, Gender Identity, Sex Assigned at Birth, Sexual Orientation and Age of Current PrEP Use. J Community Health Nurs 2022; 39:213-226. [PMID: 36189944 DOI: 10.1080/07370016.2022.2073791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Identification of disparity in preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescription by demographic group. DESIGN Exploratory descriptive study. METHODS Secondary data analysis of 1114 patients who received PrEP from Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) between 2017 and 2020. FINDINGS Persons of Asian racial-identity had a higher mean PrEP prescription than the other racial groups. Persons over 30 had a higher mean PrEP prescription than those 18-29. CONCLUSIONS Discrepancy of PrEP prescription reveals opportunities to improve PrEP delivery. CLINICAL EVIDENCE Providers of PrEP delivery and community health nurses can enhance delivery by better electronic medical charting regarding PrEP discussion and nonadherence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - J P Posnak
- Wayside Youth and Family Support Network
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6
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Pyra M, Brewer R, Rusie L, Kline J, Willis I, Schneider J. Long-term HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Trajectories Among Racial & Ethnic Minority Patients: Short, Declining, & Sustained Adherence. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:166-171. [PMID: 34636809 PMCID: PMC8752481 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002833] [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: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) requires continued use at an effective dosage to reduce HIV incidence. Data suggest early PrEP drop-off among many populations. We sought to describe PrEP use over the first year among racial and ethnic minority patients in the US. SETTING Racial and ethnic minority patients initiating PrEP at a federally qualified health center in Chicago, IL. METHODS Using electronic health records, we determined the adherence (≥6 weekly doses) trajectories over the first year of PrEP use and compared baseline and time-varying patient characteristics. RESULTS From 2159 patients, we identified 3 PrEP use trajectories. Sustained use was the most common (40%) trajectory, followed by short use (30%) and declining use (29%). In adjusted models, younger age, Black race, as well as gender, sexual orientation, insurance status at baseline, and neighborhood were associated with trajectory assignment; within some trajectories, insurance status during follow-up was associated with odds of monthly adherence (≥6 weekly doses). CONCLUSION Among racial and ethnic minorities, a plurality achieved sustained PrEP persistence. Access to clinics, insurance, and intersectional stigmas may be modifiable barriers to effective PrEP persistence; in addition, focus on younger users and beyond gay, cismale populations are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pyra
- Howard Brown Health, Chicago IL
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago IL
| | - Russell Brewer
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago IL
| | | | | | | | - John Schneider
- Howard Brown Health, Chicago IL
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago IL
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7
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Agovi AMA, Anikpo I, Cvitanovich MJ, Fasanmi EO, Ojha RP, Marcus JL. Brief Report: HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Prescribing in an Urban Safety-Net Health System. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:e17-e21. [PMID: 34285157 PMCID: PMC8527831 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Safety-net health systems are key settings for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation, but little evidence is available about the frequency of PrEP prescribing in safety-net settings. We assessed PrEP prescribing among people with indications for PrEP at an urban safety-net health system that serves a county designated as an Ending the HIV Epidemic priority jurisdiction. METHODS We identified adults (aged 18 years or older) who engaged in primary care between January 2015 and December 2019 and had a documented indication for PrEP. PrEP indications included the presence of a behavioral or sexual risk factor of HIV acquisition or a positive bacterial sexually transmitted infection at the index visit. PrEP prescribing was defined as the proportion of patients with indications for PrEP who received a new prescription for PrEP. We estimated the cumulative incidence of PrEP prescription with corresponding 95% confidence limits (CL). RESULTS Our study population comprised 2957 individuals, of whom 58% was aged younger than 45 years, 56% was women, 67% was racial or ethnic minorities, and 60% was uninsured or provided care as part of a hospital-based managed care plan for individuals without insurance. We identified 41 individuals who were prescribed PrEP. The cumulative incidence of PrEP prescribing within 1 year of the first documented PrEP indication was 1.3% (95% CL: 0.91% to 1.7%). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest extremely low frequency of PrEP prescribing among people with indications for PrEP in an urban safety-net health system. Strategies are needed to improve PrEP implementation in high-priority populations and safety-net settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afiba Manza-A Agovi
- Center for Epidemiology & Healthcare Delivery Research, JPS Health Network, Fort Worth, TX
- Department of Medical Education, TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine, Fort Worth, TX
| | - Ifedioranma Anikpo
- Center for Epidemiology & Healthcare Delivery Research, JPS Health Network, Fort Worth, TX
| | - Matthew J Cvitanovich
- Center for Epidemiology & Healthcare Delivery Research, JPS Health Network, Fort Worth, TX
| | - Esther O Fasanmi
- Pharmacy Clinical Services Outpatient, JPS Health Network, Fort Worth, TX
- Healing Wings Infectious Disease Clinic, JPS Health Network, Fort Worth, TX; and
| | - Rohit P Ojha
- Center for Epidemiology & Healthcare Delivery Research, JPS Health Network, Fort Worth, TX
- Department of Medical Education, TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine, Fort Worth, TX
| | - Julia L Marcus
- Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
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Weiss KM, Prasad P, Sanchez T, Goodreau SM, Jenness SM. Association between HIV PrEP indications and use in a national sexual network study of US men who have sex with men. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25826. [PMID: 34605174 PMCID: PMC8488229 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission. United States Public Health Service (USPHS) clinical practice guidelines define biobehavioral indications for initiation. To assess guideline implementation, it is critical to quantify PrEP nonusers who are indicated and PrEP users who are not indicated. We sought to estimate current PrEP use among US men who have sex with men (MSM), characterize whether their PrEP use aligned with their current indications for PrEP, and assess whether the association between PrEP indications and PrEP use differed by demography or geography. METHODS Using data from a US web-based sexual network study of MSM between 2017 and 2019, we measured PrEP usage and assessed whether respondents met indications for PrEP. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate the relationship between PrEP indications and PrEP use, with adjustment for geography, age and race/ethnicity. RESULTS Of 3508 sexually active, HIV-negative MSM, 34% met indications for PrEP. The proportion with current PrEP use was 32% among MSM meeting indications and 11% among those without indications. Nearly 40% of those currently using PrEP did not meet indications for PrEP, and 68% of MSM with indications for PrEP were not currently using PrEP. After adjusting for geography and demographics, MSM with PrEP indications were about three times as likely to be currently using PrEP. This association varied slightly, but not significantly, by geographic region, age and race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS Indications for PrEP strongly predicted current PrEP use among US MSM. However, we identified substantial misalignment between indications and use in both directions (indicated MSM who were not benefitting from PrEP, and MSM taking PrEP while not presently being indicated). PrEP underuse by those at greatest risk for HIV acquisition may limit the projected impact of PrEP implementation, despite reported increases in PrEP provision. This calls for further implementation efforts to improve PrEP delivery to those most in need during periods of elevated sexual risk and to close the gap between indications and uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M. Weiss
- Department of EpidemiologyEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
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9
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Ongolly FK, Dolla A, Ngure K, Irungu EM, Odoyo J, Wamoni E, Peebles K, Mugwanya K, Mugo NR, Bukusi EA, Morton J, Baeten JM, O’Malley G. "I Just Decided to Stop:" Understanding PrEP Discontinuation Among Individuals Initiating PrEP in HIV Care Centers in Kenya. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:e150-e158. [PMID: 33492024 PMCID: PMC8026512 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) discontinuation rates in clinical trials and demonstration projects have been well characterized; however, little is known about discontinuation in routine public health settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding discontinuation in nonstudy settings is important for establishing expectations for PrEP continuation in national programs and for facilitating effective PrEP scale-up. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 46 individuals who had initiated PrEP at 25 HIV comprehensive care clinics (CCCs) in central and western Kenya and whose clinic records indicated they had discontinued. RESULTS Many of our study participants discontinued PrEP when their perceived risk decreased (eg, hiatus or end of a sexual relationship or partner known to be living with HIV became virally suppressed). Others reported discontinuation due to side effects, daily pill burden, preference for condoms, or their partner's insistence. Participant narratives frequently described facility level factors such as stigma-related discomforts with accessing PrEP at CCCs, inconvenient clinic location or operating hours, long wait times, and short refill dates as discouraging factors, suggesting actionable areas for improving PrEP access and continuation. CONCLUSION Clients frequently make intentional decisions to discontinue PrEP as they weigh different prevention options within the context of complex lives. Many clients will decide to discontinue PrEP when perceiving themselves to be at reduced risk and PrEP counseling must include provisions for addressing seasons of risk. PrEP will not be the right prevention method for everyone, or forever. Expanding PrEP access points and increasing sex-positive messaging may facilitate PrEP being a better option for many.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annabel Dolla
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth M. Irungu
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Wamoni
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kathryn Peebles
- Department of Epidemiology, Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kenneth Mugwanya
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nelly R. Mugo
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jennifer Morton
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute; Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gabrielle O’Malley
- Department of Global Health, Seattle, Washington, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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10
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Gavulic KA, Gonzales G. Health Care Expenditures and Financial Burden: A Comparison of Adults in Same-Sex Couples and Different-Sex Couples. Med Care Res Rev 2021; 79:281-289. [PMID: 33783242 DOI: 10.1177/10775587211004308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We used data from the 2014-2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to compare health care expenditures and financial burden between adults in same-sex couples (n = 514) and adults in different-sex couples (n = 41,043). Compared with men in different-sex couples ($3,994), men in same-sex couples ($6,896) were more likely to spend more on health care, especially on prescription medications ($2,745 vs. $1,050), which was primarily driven by antiviral medications ($1,061 vs. $35). Women in same-sex couples ($5,886) reported similar health care expenditures compared with women in different-sex couples ($5,619). However, women in same-sex couples were significantly more likely to experience financial burden compared with women in different-sex couples (25.7% vs. 11.3%). We speculate that the disparities reported here are due to a variety of issues, including elevated health needs requiring prescriptions for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) men and lower incomes for LGBT women. More research is needed to understand health services utilization and expenditure patterns among LGBT populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Gavulic
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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11
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Irungu EM, Ngure K, Mugwanya KK, Awuor M, Dollah A, Ongolly F, Mugo N, Bukusi E, Wamoni E, Odoyo J, Morton JF, Barnabee G, Mukui I, Baeten JM, O'Malley G. "Now that PrEP is reducing the risk of transmission of HIV, why then do you still insist that we use condoms?" the condom quandary among PrEP users and health care providers in Kenya. AIDS Care 2020; 33:92-100. [PMID: 32207327 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1744507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Communication around condom use in the context of PrEP services presents a potential conundrum for patients and providers. Within the Partners Scale-Up Project, which supports integration of PrEP delivery in HIV care clinics, we interviewed 41 providers and 61 PrEP users and identified themes relating to condom messaging and use. Most providers counselled PrEP initiators to always use both PrEP and condoms, except when trying to conceive. However, others reported contexts and rationales for not emphasizing condom use. Providers reported that PrEP users were sometimes confused, even frustrated, with their insistence on using condoms in addition to PrEP. PrEP users generally regarded PrEP as a more feasible and desirable HIV prevention method than condoms, enabling increased sexual pleasure and conception, and reducing the conflict and stigma associated with condom use. Innovative approaches to condom counselling in PrEP programs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Irungu
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington.,School of Public Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
| | | | - Merceline Awuor
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute
| | - Annabelle Dollah
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute
| | - Fernandos Ongolly
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington
| | - Elizabeth Bukusi
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington.,Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute
| | - Elizabeth Wamoni
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine Odoyo
- Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute
| | | | - Gena Barnabee
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington
| | | | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington
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