Missed Opportunities for HIV Testing and PrEP Education in a High-risk Population at a Safety-net Health Care System.

Abstract

The U.S. Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative was launched in 2019 with the goal of reducing new HIV infections by 90% by 2030. In this retrospective chart review in 2019, we determined the incidence of HIV testing and PrEP counseling among patients without known HIV who were diagnosed with gonorrhea or chlamydia in a safety-net health care system. Our results showed that 58% of positive gonorrhea and chlamydia tests had a follow-up HIV test within 90 days and 19% of individuals testing positive for gonorrhea received PrEP education within 180 days. Initial care in an emergency department and female gender were associated with a lower likelihood of follow-up HIV testing and PrEP counseling. There are missed opportunities to offer HIV testing and PrEP education to those at risk of HIV acquisition.