863. Increasing PrEP Uptake: A Diffusion-Based Network Intervention for HIV Prevention Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men

Abstract

BackgroundAdvances in biomedical prevention strategies provide new opportunities for reducing HIV incidence among young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is for HIV-negative individuals and has been shown to be up to 99% effective in preventing HIV infection when taken as prescribed by CDC clinical practice guidelines. Several studies, however, have documented low rates of PrEP uptake among YBMSM.MethodsPrEP Chicago is a randomized controlled trial peer leader intervention designed to promote uptake of PrEP for HIV prevention among YBMSM. Participants (n = 423) were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) and randomized to either an intervention (n = 209) or control (n = 214) condition. Eligibility criteria included: aged 18–35, identifies as a person of color, assigned male sex at birth, had sex with a man in the past 12 months, had an active Facebook profile, and resided in Chicago. The intervention includes a half-day, small group PrEP, and peer leader training workshop followed by monthly check-in booster calls. Approximately 12 months after their initial baseline visit, participants return to complete follow-up data collection and switch conditions, giving year 1 control participants the opportunity to learn about PrEP.ResultsThe number of HIV-negative intervention participants on PrEP at baseline vs. 12-month follow-up (PrEP Chicago Study, Chicago, 2016–2018). A total of 341 participants (80.6%) returned at 12 months. Of 209 intervention participants at baseline, 176 (84.2%) completed a follow-up survey at 12 months. At baseline, 13 (13.3%) of 98 HIV-negative intervention participants indicated that they were currently taking PrEP. At 12 months, this number grew to 25 (32.5%) of 77 HIV-negative intervention participants, indicating that they were currently taking PrEP. A total of 21 participants reported initiating PrEP during their time in the intervention. ConclusionPrEP is a valuable biomedical intervention for preventing HIV infection in those at risk. PrEP Chicago, a network intervention designed to promote uptake of PrEP among YBMSM, shows promising results for PrEP adoption among this community.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.