Exploring adults as support persons for improved pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV use among select adolescents and young adults in the Deep South.

Samantha V Hill,Michael Mugavero,Lynn T Matthews,Jarvis Johnson,Emily F Dauria,Tina Simpson,Latesha Elopre,Fazlur Rahman,Ethan Morgan

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0248858

Samantha V Hill, Michael Mugavero + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0248858

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Abstract

PurposePre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) is an effective yet underutilized biomedical tool for adolescents and young adults’ (AYA) HIV prevention due to barriers such as PrEP adherence. We assessed HIV prevention knowledge, attitudes and beliefs from adults who self-identified as a primary support person to an AYA.MethodsWe surveyed AYA primary support persons at an academic hospital. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were completed to identify factors associated with the belief AYAs engaging in HIV-associated behaviors should use PrEP and willingness to support AYAs on PrEP.Results200 primary support persons completed the survey. Participants were predominately female (77%) and black (56%). Nearly all primary support persons believed AYAs engaging in HIV-associated behaviors should take PrEP (94%) and 98% would support an AYA taking PrEP via transportation to appointments, assistance with refilling prescriptions, medication reminders, or encouragement.ConclusionsPrimary support persons are willing to support AYAs using PrEP.

Highlights

The Southern United States (U.S.) accounted for 52% (19,968) of new HIV diagnoses in 2018 [1]
Most primary support persons believed AYAs engaging in HIVassociated behaviors should take pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) (94%) and 98% would support an AYA taking PrEP via transportation to appointments, assistance with refilling prescriptions, medication reminders, or encouragement
Demonstration studies among AYAs highlight adherence challenges as only 22% of 15 to 17 year olds were adherent to PrEP over a 48-week period, with adherence declining after visit spacing was increased from monthly to quarterly [7]

Summary

Methods

We surveyed AYA primary support persons at an academic hospital. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were completed to identify factors associated with the belief AYAs engaging in HIV-associated behaviors should use PrEP and willingness to support AYAs on PrEP.

Results

Conclusions

Introduction

Materials and methods

Discussion

Conclusion