958. Feasibility and Acceptability of HIV Self-Test Kit Distribution Through PrEP Clients’ Friendship and Sexual Networks

Abstract

BackgroundPersonal networks can influence behaviors, beliefs, attitudes, and values through contact and communication. The University of Miami Mobile PrEP Program offers low-barrier pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)/HIV prevention services through a mobile clinic in five highly impacted neighborhoods in Miami-Dade, the county with the highest HIV incidence in the US. The highest rates are among black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). The goal of this study is to understand the acceptability and feasibility of expanding the reach of testing through our clients’ friendship and sexual networks.MethodsThis study was implemented in five locations across Miami from December 2019 to February 2020. During scheduled PrEP quarterly follow-up clinic visits, participants were offered Ora-Quick oral fluid self test (ST) kits, free of cost for distribution to up to four sexual partners and/or friends. In addition to the information available in the testing kit, brief training regarding the test and resources for post-test engagement were provided. A survey evaluated participants’ distribution plan, comfort level and concerns in offering the test kits to friends/sexual partners. Descriptive statistics included frequencies for categorical variables, and means and ranges for continuous variables.ResultsA total of 84 participants were offered the ST kits, of which 49 (58%) accepted. Of those accepting kits, 40 (81.63%) of 49 were Latino MSM. Participants requested an average of 3 (mean=2.9, range 1-4) kits, for a total of 144 kits. Overall, 41(84%) felt very comfortable and 47(96%) indicated they felt very comfortable offering this test to their friends/sexual partners. Also, 29(59.2%) planned to distribute kits only to friends, 2(4%) only to sexual partners, 11(22.4%) to both sexual partners and friends and 7(14.2%) to either family or self-test to provide ‘moral support’ to those taking the test. None of the participants expressed any concerns about offering kits to friends or sexual partners.ConclusionDistribution of home based self-test HIV kits through current Mobile PrEP clients’ friendship and sexual networks is acceptable and feasible. Similar social network strategies may be considered to expand reach of HIV testing and PrEP engagement to those with barriers to care.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures