Nurse-Led HIV PEP Program Used by Men at High Risk for HIV Seroconversion

Abstract

We trialed a nurse-led HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) program in two sexually transmitted infection clinics in Ottawa, Canada. From September 5, 2013 to September 4, 2015, 112 persons sought PEP: 103 were male, of whom 84 were men who have sex with men (MSM). Seventy-two patients (59 MSM) initiated PEP; 11 were diagnosed with HIV: 6 diagnoses occurred during initial assessment (all MSM; 1 also shared injection equipment); 5 MSM were diagnosed with HIV within 1year of seeking PEP. This level of positivity indicated that, when access is facilitated, individuals at high risk of HIV seek PEP. However, the 8.5% of MSM who seroconverted within a year of taking PEP demonstrated that this group remained at risk and needed additional prevention services. Delivery of PEP should include provision of medication, as well as an opportunity to address individual-level HIV risk strategies and population-level syndemic conditions that contribute to ongoing HIV transmission among MSM.