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1965. PrEP On the Go! Implementation Mobile PrEP, STI, and HIV Prevention Services in South Florida

BACKGROUND: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce HIV incidence when implemented effectively for people who are at highest risk of HIV infection. However, access to and uptake of PrEP remains suboptimal among priority populations such as black and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (MSM)...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Doblecki-Lewis, Susanne, Kobetz, Erin, Byrne2; Stefani Butts, John, Torrealba, Marco, Klose, Katie, McGaugh, Angela, Shatz, Connor, Scaramutti, Carolina, Baez Leon, Brian, Narcisse, Gilianne, Morel, Jessica, Whiteside, Patrick, Cardenas, Gabriel, Feaster, Daniel, Stevenson, Mario
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Oxford University Press 2019
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6808824/
http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofz359.142
Descripción
Sumario:BACKGROUND: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce HIV incidence when implemented effectively for people who are at highest risk of HIV infection. However, access to and uptake of PrEP remains suboptimal among priority populations such as black and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). We established mobile HIV prevention/PrEP services delivered with cancer screening services through the Sylvester Gamechanger vehicle. We describe demographics, utilization, and early retention in PrEP care delivered through this model. METHODS: We selected four local HIV high-incidence areas where PrEP services were lacking, to locate the clinic. The vehicle, staffed by a medical provider, HIV/PrEP counselor, and cancer educator, returned to each site regularly. In addition to self-referrals, Prevention305, a community-based organization, developed focused patient recruitment through social media. Services were provided at no cost. Normative demographics, risk behavior, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and early-maintenance-in-care data were collected. Descriptive statistics were compiled using SPSS. RESULTS: From October 2018 to April 2019 services were provided to 229 clients. Of these, 168 (73.7%) sought PrEP. Of PrEP clients, 125 (74.4%) identified as White/Hispanic, 6 (3.5%) as Black/Hispanic, 6 (3.5%) as White/non-Hispanic, 11 (6.5%) as Black/non-Hispanic, and 19 (11.3%) as other; 124 (73.8%) were foreign-born; 159 (94.9%) of PrEP clients identified as MSM. Six (3.5%) PrEP-seeking clients were HIV positive at baseline. Of these, 2 were identified as acute/early infections. An initial PrEP prescription was filled by 166 (98.8%). Of the 77 clients seen within the initial 3 months of operation and due for follow-up assessment, 55 (71.4%) completed a follow-up visit. Overall, 45 (26.6%) PrEP clients had positive STI results (gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis) at baseline. Nine (16.3%) clients returned positive STI results at their follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: Implementation of mobile HIV prevention services including PrEP is feasible and is effective in engaging Hispanic/Latino immigrant MSM. High demand for services is noted and plans are underway to increase capacity and outreach to other highly affected groups. DISCLOSURES: All Authors: No reported Disclosures.