PrEP Access in STD Clinics Increases Access to Treatment

Initiating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) therapy at a drop-in clinic for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) increases access to treatment for certain individuals with HIV, according to new data presented at IDWeek 2018. However, individuals with low income are less likely to return to the clinic for follow-up visits.

The study, authored by Kevin Kamis, MPH, and colleagues, was presented on Thursday, October 4, at IDWeek 2018 in San Francisco. 

READ MORE IDWEEK NEWS COVERAGE...

Antifungal-Related Adverse Reactions in Children: Which Drug Is Safest?

Candidemia Worsens Outcomes in Patients With Obesity

To reach their conclusions, the researchers evaluated data on 100 adults who visited the Metro Denver STD Clinic and filled a prescription for tenofovir-emtricitabine between April 2017 and October 2017.

Individuals with a history of renal dysfunction, chronic hepatitis B, HIV, and pregnancy and those who were indicated for post-exposure prophylaxis were excluded from the analysis.

Study participants were given PrEP education, were offered a free, 30-day PrEP starter pack, and were provided with navigation support for cost assistance.

Of the 100 participants enrolled, 77% had completed 1 or more follow-up visits during the study period. Of those, 57% had completed their first visit within 31 days of baseline, and 56% had returned for a second follow-up visit.

Results showed that participants aged 30 years or older, those with higher income, and those with health insurance or a primary care provider at baseline were significantly more likely to return for a follow-up visit.

Secondary analysis showed that only higher income ($24,960 vs $14,000) was associated with completing 1 or more follow-up visits.

“Providing immediate access to PrEP during drop-in STD clinic visits is a safe and feasible approach to initiation of PrEP care,” the researchers concluded. “Additional resources are needed to support PrEP continuity care, particularly for low-income individuals.”

—Amanda Balbi

Reference:

Kamis K, Scott K, Gardner E, et al. Same-day HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation during drop-in STD clinic appointments is a safe, feasible, and effective method to engage patients at risk for HIV in PrEP care. Paper presented at: ID Week 2018; October 3-7, 2018; San Francisco, CA. https://idsa.confex.com/idsa/2018/webprogram/Paper72530.html. Accessed October 12, 2018.