Opportunities For HIV Prevention Research Articles

Missed Opportunities for HIV Prevention in a Large County Safety Net Health System.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective at reducing HIV transmission. However, PrEP uptake is low for racial and ethnic minorities and women, especially in the Southern US Health care clinicians should be prepared to identify all patients eligible for PrEP, provide counseling, and prescribe PrEP. Retrospective analysis of persons newly diagnosed with HIV was conducted at a large public health system from January 2015 to June 2021. Interactions with the health system in the 5 years preceding HIV diagnosis were analyzed, and missed opportunities for HIV prevention interventions, including PrEP and condom use counseling, were identified. We identified 454 patients with a new HIV diagnosis with previous health system interactions. 166(36.6%) had at least 1 identifiable indication for PrEP: 42(9.3%) bacterial STI, 63(13.9%) inconsistent condom use, or 82(18%) injection drug use before HIV diagnosis. Only 7(1.5%) of patients were counseled on PrEP. Most patients (308; 67.8%) had no documented condom use history in the EHR before diagnosis, a surrogate marker for obtaining a sexual history. Patients who exclusively interacted with the emergency care setting did not receive PrEP education and were less likely to receive condom use counseling. Missed opportunities to offer HIV prevention before diagnosis were common among patients newly diagnosed with HIV. Most patients did not have sexual history documented in the chart before their HIV diagnosis. Educational interventions are needed to ensure that clinicians are prepared to identify those eligible and discuss the benefits of PrEP.

HIV Testing and Preexposure Prophylaxis Prescriptions Among U.S. Commercially Insured Transgender Men and Women, 2014 to 2021.

Transgender persons are disproportionately affected by HIV, but preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use has been low in this population. Clinical encounters for gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) provide opportunities for HIV prevention. To estimate the number of commercially insured transgender women (TGW) and transgender men (TGM) in the United States and their use of HIV prevention services. Retrospective analysis of secondary data. Merative MarketScan commercial databases from 2014 to 2021. TGW and TGM, defined as those with transgender-related diagnoses and prescriptions for feminizing or masculinizing GAHT. HIV testing and PrEP use. A substantially increasing trend was observed in the prevalence of transgender-related diagnosis codes from 2014 to 2021 and in the proportion of persons who used GAHT. The increases were driven by persons aged 18 to 34 years. In 2021, among 10 613 TGW with a test for or a diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the previous 12 months, 61.1% had an HIV test; among those, 20.2% were prescribed PrEP. Among 4184 TGM with STI risk, 48.3% had an HIV test; among those, 10.2% were prescribed PrEP. The prevalence of TGW and TGM who had a test for or a diagnosis of an STI, had an HIV test, and were prescribed PrEP increased substantially from 2014 to 2021. The findings represent only persons with commercial health insurance who sought health care services for GAHT. It is important to identify transgender persons to monitor their receipt of HIV prevention services. Encounters for GAHT provide opportunities to offer HIV prevention and other prevention services. Many HIV prevention opportunities were likely missed at clinical encounters for GAHT. None.

HIV acquisition prior to entry into formal sex work: inference from next-generation viral sequencing.

To infer the timing of HIV acquisition in relation to self-reported events in the sexual life course of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who self-identify as female sex workers (FSW) in Mombasa, Kenya. Next-generation viral sequencing of samples of AGYW living with HIV in the Transitions study, a cross-sectional bio-behavioural survey of AGYW aged 14-24 years in Mombasa, Kenya. Dried blood spot specimens were collected from study participants ( n = 37, all FSW). A portion of the HIV pol gene was sequenced using an in-house next-generation sequencing assay for HIV drug resistance mutation genotyping. Estimated time since infection (ETI) was inferred using the HIV EVO web-based tool ( https://hiv.biozentrum.unibas.ch/ETI/ ), and data on self-reported events were obtained from the survey. The median ETI among FSW was 3.4 (interquartile range = 1.7, 6.3) years, with a median ETI of 1.5 years prior to entry into formal sex work. We estimated that 74.1% (95% confidence interval = 53.7-88.9%) of participants living with HIV and who self-identified as FSW likely acquired HIV prior to self-identification as a sex worker. Findings suggest a large fraction of prevalent HIV infection among AGYW engaged in sex work stems from acquisition prior to entry into formal sex work. Current HIV prevention programs tailored for sex workers may miss key opportunities for HIV prevention as they are designed to reach women after entry into formal sex work, signaling a need for tailored programs to reach high-risk AGYW earlier on in their sexual life course.

Monkeypox vaccination—an opportunity for HIV prevention

Monkeypox vaccination—an opportunity for HIV prevention

Educators' perceptions on the benefits and barriers of oral PrEP uptake among adolescent girls and young women in Vulindlela, KwaZulu-Natal

Oral PrEP promotion is a key aspect of combination prevention efforts to increase opportunities for HIV prevention among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who are at higher risk of infection. Research suggests that communication efforts often adopt an individualistic decision-making approach that is devoid of the multiple influences that impact young women’s HIV preventative choices. Schools and educators are increasingly being identified as key role players and influencers of decision making among young women. The promotion of PrEP uptake among AGYW of school going age, thus requires an exploration of perceptions of educators about the related benefits and barriers to PrEP uptake among school girls. A qualitative study using a purposive sampling method was used to sample 6 high schools in Vulindlela, a district with the highest HIV incidents among AGYW in KwaZulu-Natal. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of twelve Life Orientation educators and senior staff members from the 6 selected high schools. The data was transcribed and analysed thematically using the culture-centred approach. The findings suggested that educators acknowledged the benefits of PrEP in curbing HIV infection rates among young women. However, these benefits were clouded by barriers and concerns around minimal, or poor condom use as a result of oral PrEP use which could promote promiscuity and minimalise efficacy. These findings highlight the need for more contextual community-driven communication strategies around PrEP, and emphasise the value of a community-centred approach that promotes dialogue among key role players, like educators, to further enhance PrEP communication.

Incorporating HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Care for Patients Seeking Induced Abortion and Pregnancy Loss Management.

Family planning clinical encounters are important opportunities for HIV prevention. Our objectives were to 1) estimate the proportion of patients seeking induced abortion and early pregnancy loss management eligible for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and 2) compare PrEP eligibility and uptake between patients with unintended and intended pregnancy. We conducted a cross-sectional survey and a nested prospective cohort study of patients seeking an induced abortion or early pregnancy loss management. We assessed pregnancy intendedness, PrEP awareness, HIV risk and risk perception, desire for same-day PrEP start, and PrEP continuation at 30days. We used the χ2 and Fisher's exact tests to assess differences between the participants with intended and unintended pregnancy. We had 80% power to detect a 14% difference in PrEP eligibility between the groups. We enrolled 250 women. Fifty-six percent (139) had an unintended pregnancy and 44% (110) had an intended pregnancy. PrEP eligibility did not differ significantly between the patients with intended and unintended pregnancy (16% vs. 10%; p=.18). More than one-half (54%, 135/250) were unaware of PrEP before their study visit, and 93% (232/250) considered themselves unlikely to acquire HIV. Of 33 women who were PrEP eligible, 11 accepted same-day start and 1 continued PrEP at 30days. Intendedness of pregnancy was unrelated to PrEP eligibility in women seeking induced abortion and early pregnancy loss management. Most patients seeking these services are unaware of PrEP. Integrating PrEP into family planning care is likely to increase awareness and uptake of PrEP in women.

Women Trust Their OBGYNs to Provide Preexposure Prophylaxis: An Opportunity for HIV Prevention.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to understand how women perceive the role of their Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OBGYN) in screening for and providing preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention.MethodsWe recruited women ages 18–45 years receiving obstetric or gynecological care at an academic medical center in the Bronx, NY. Thirty participants were enrolled: 10 seeking care for family planning, 10 seeking prenatal care, and 10 seeking care for a sexually transmitted infection. We screened participants for HIV acquisition risk using a PrEP screening tool. We conducted face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed, and entered into Dedoose for analysis of themes using a grounded theory approach.ResultsSixty percent of the participants were Latinx and 33% African American. Seventy percent had one or more risk factors for HIV acquisition based on the PrEP screening tool, indicating they would benefit from a PrEP discussion. Three main themes emerged from the analysis of interview data. Participants viewed OBGYNs as experts in sexual and reproductive healthcare and believed they were experts in PrEP. Participants were concerned about “PrEP stigma”, being judged by their clinicians as being sexually promiscuous if they expressed a need for PrEP. Lastly, when participants trusted their OBGYN, that trust became a facilitator for women to consider PrEP and offset stigma as a barrier to identifying patients who are candidates for PrEP.ConclusionWomen established in care with an OBGYN are enthusiastic about having access to PrEP services incorporated into their sexual and reproductive healthcare. A universal approach to HIV prevention would avert stigma surrounding HIV care and prevention.

Interdisciplinary HIV Sentinel Case Review: Identifying Practices to Prevent Outbreaks in Philadelphia

The Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative considers cluster and outbreak response essential. This article describes the design, implementation, and early findings of a Philadelphia-based project to systematically assess sentinel cases among priority populations for improving public health infrastructure and preventing future outbreaks. Sentinel HIV cases (i.e., early-stage or acute infection or molecular cluster cases) were identified among priority populations (Black and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men, youth aged 18-24 years, and transgender people who have sex with men). Chart abstraction and structured interview data were reviewed to determine themes and service gaps and to identify, prioritize, and implement recommendations. Interdisciplinary review teams included individuals with lived experience, frontline staff, and local agency leadership. Data were collected during July 2019-December 2020 and analyzed for 53 of 126 sentinel cases of HIV diagnosed since July 1, 2018. The majority were men who have sex with men (79.3%), those aged 18-24 years (67.9%), and non-Hispanic Black (67.9%). More than half received sexually transmitted infection and HIV testing ≤3 years preceding HIV diagnosis (56.6% and 54.7%, respectively), had a healthcare visit within 12 months before diagnosis (64.2%), and had no evidence of pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness (58.5%). Project recommendations effectuated actions to improve pre-exposure prophylaxis provision, integrate sexually transmitted infection and HIV testing, and educate primary care providers. HIV sentinel case review is a model for health departments to rapidly respond to recent transmission, identify missed HIV prevention opportunities, strengthen community partnerships, and implement programmatic and policy changes. Such efforts may prevent outbreaks and inform longer-term strategies.

Missed Opportunities for HIV Prevention in Perinatal Care Settings in the United States.

Universal opt-out HIV screening in pregnancy is an essential intervention toward eliminating perinatal HIV transmission in the US. However, it fails to identify pregnant people who are HIV negative at the time of testing but are at ongoing risk for HIV acquisition. Those of us involved in caring for women living with HIV are acutely aware of the many diagnoses of HIV that might have been prevented if only a partner had been tested for HIV or preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) had been offered to a patient. This perspective article will review current recommendations and evidence-based interventions to evaluate missed opportunities for HIV prevention in US perinatal care settings. We identified three barriers to implementation of HIV prevention strategies during pregnancy and breastfeeding: (1) HIV risk for women is underestimated and poorly defined in clinical practice; (2) Partner testing is challenging and implementation studies in the US are lacking; and (3) PrEP remains underutilized. In March 2020, the National Perinatal HIV Hotline convened a group of clinicians and researchers specializing in perinatal HIV care to a case-based discussion of missed opportunities in perinatal HIV prevention. From our review of the literature via PubMed search as well as expert opinions gathered in this discussion, we make recommendations for addressing these barriers.

Interactive digital interventions for prevention of sexually transmitted HIV.

Background:Digital technology offers good opportunities for HIV prevention. This systematic review assesses the effectiveness of interactive digital interventions (IDIs) for prevention of sexually transmitted HIV.Methods:We conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of IDIs for HIV prevention, defining ‘interactive’ as producing personally tailored material. We searched databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, grey literature, reference lists, and contacted authors if needed.Two authors screened abstracts, applied eligibility and quality criteria and extracted data. Meta-analyses used random-effects models with standardized mean differences (SMD) for continuous outcomes and odds ratios (OR) for binary outcomes, assessing heterogeneity using the I2 statistic.Results:We included 31 RCTs of IDIs for HIV prevention. Meta-analyses of 29 RCTs comparing IDIs with minimal interventions (e.g. leaflet, waiting list) showed a moderate increase in knowledge (SMD 0.56, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.80), no effect on self-efficacy (SMD 0.13, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.27), a small improvement in intention (SMD 0.16, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.26), improvement in HIV prevention behaviours (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.57) and a possible increase in viral load, but this finding is unreliable.We found no evidence of difference between IDIs and face-to-face interventions for knowledge, self-efficacy, intention, or HIV-related behaviours in meta-analyses of five small RCTs. We found no health economic studies.Conclusion:There is good evidence that IDIs have positive effects on knowledge, intention and HIV prevention behaviours. IDIs are appropriate for HIV prevention in a variety of settings.Supplementary Video

Examining patient characteristics and HIV-related risks among women with syphilis as indicators for pre-exposure prophylaxis in a nurse-led program (PrEP-RN).

Current HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) guidelines primarily target men who have sex with men (MSM) as candidates for HIV prevention; however, such recommendations often come at the expense of other ethnic and gender minorities, including women. To address barriers to PrEP care among non-MSM, we developed and implemented the first nurse-led PrEP program in Canada, known as PrEP-RN. As part of PrEP-RN, patients who meet objective indicators of HIV risk are offered a referral for PrEP, regardless of sexual orientation. One such measure is syphilis, which has increased in incidence among various population groups and is known to cause biological vulnerabilities to HIV. To better understand HIV-related risks and assess intentions for PrEP use among women, we undertook an 18-month retrospective review of syphilis diagnoses within this group in Ottawa, Canada. As part of this review, we examined 23 patient files, noting their unique characteristics, socio-behavioural risk factors, and noted barriers to PrEP uptake. While none of the women diagnosed with syphilis were diagnosed with HIV, the findings raise some important considerations to facilitate opportunities for HIV prevention among non-MSM, which must take into consideration individual risk practices, sexual health histories, and population groups.

Missed Prevention Opportunities: Why Young, BlackMSM with Recent HIV Diagnosis did not Access HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Services.

In the United States, HIV infection rate inequities persist, with new infections highest among young, Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) in the South. We conducted 23 in-depth interviews with YBMSM newly diagnosed with HIV to explore awareness of and barriers to uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Participants were recruited from two university-based HIV Clinics in Alabama and were: (1) 16-29years of age, (2) diagnosed with HIV within the prior 365days, (3) Black race, (4) self-identified as a cis-gender male reporting sex with men AND (5) did not report prior PrEP use. Interview guides were grounded in Anderson's Behavioral Healthcare Utilization Model (ABM), with embedded constructs from the situated Information, Motivation and Behavioral Skills theoretical framework. Coding was conducted by three independent coders using thematic analysis methods. Participants (N = 23) median age was 24, more than two-thirds reported annual incomes less than $15,000 and the majority (84%) identified as gay. Major themes that emerged as barriers to accessing PrEP included low prioritization and interests in using PrEP; low perceived HIV risk due to feelings of invincibility and trust in sex partners; lack of information about accessing PrEP; negative beliefs around PrEP; and the suggestion to change PrEP messaging from only targeting YBMSM. These findings indicate that there are important missed opportunities for HIV prevention with PrEP among YBMSM in the South. In these high-risk young men, tailored interventions are needed to better inform and frame perceptions around risk, knowledge, access and prioritization of PrEP.

Active pediatric HIV case finding in Kenya and Uganda: A look at missed opportunities along the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) cascade.

BackgroundChildren living with HIV remain undiagnosed due to missed opportunities along the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission cascade. This study addresses programmatic gaps in the cascade by describing pregnancy and HIV-related services received by mothers of children newly identified as HIV-positive through active case finding.MethodsThis was a prospective observational cohort (2017–2018) of HIV-positive children <15 years of age newly diagnosed at study facilities and/or surrounding communities in Kenya and Uganda. At enrollment, caregivers were interviewed about maternal and child health and HIV history. Child medical and laboratory information was abstracted at two months post-diagnosis. Descriptive summary statistics were calculated; associations between selected factors and child age at HIV diagnosis were evaluated using generalized estimating equations.Results174 HIV-positive children (median age 2.4 years) were enrolled. Among maternal caregivers, 110/132 (83.3%) attended antenatal care and 60 (45.5%) reported testing HIV-negative in antenatal care. Of 41 and 56 women known to be HIV-positive during pregnancy and breastfeeding respectively, 17 (41.5%) and 15 (26.8%) did not receive antiretroviral drugs. Despite known maternal HIV-positive status during pregnancy, 39% of these children were not diagnosed until after two years of age; children were diagnosed at younger ages in Uganda (p = 0.0074) and if mother was the caregiver (p<0.0001). The most common HIV testing points identifying children were outpatient (44.3%) and maternal/child health departments (29.9%). Nearly all children initiated antiretroviral therapy within two weeks of diagnosis.ConclusionsMultiple missed opportunities for HIV prevention and delays in HIV testing of HIV-exposed children were identified in newly diagnosed children. Findings support critical prevention messaging and retesting of HIV-negative women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, strengthening HIV treatment initiation and follow-up systems and interventions to ensure HIV-positive women receive lifelong antiretroviral therapy throughout the cascade, and broader implementation of community case finding so children not engaged in care receive testing services.

Socio-structural Factors Associated with Mental Health, Substance Use, and HIV Risk Among Black Sexual and Gender Minorities in the House and Ball Community.

The House and Ball Community (HBC), a tight-knit social and cultural network comprised primarily of Black sexual and gender minorities (SGM), offers unique opportunities for HIV prevention that leverage naturally occurring social support networks. However, experiences of socioeconomic marginalization, stigma, violence, and trauma may impede HIV prevention efforts. This study analyzed data from 551 Black SGM recruited at HBC events in 2 cities over 24months. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations examined associations between socio-structural stressors, mental health, substance use, and sexual behavior among HBC participants. Findings indicated high prevalence of depressive symptoms, history of trauma, intimate partner violence, and substance use, and significant associations between socioeconomic marginalization and depressive symptoms, substance use, and condomless anal sex. Future research is needed to better elucidate the temporal relationships between socioeconomic marginalization, mental health and substance use, and HIV transmission dynamics. Results highlight a need for integration of mental health services, substance use treatment, and HIV prevention for this community.

Characteristics of a cohort of high-risk men who have sex with men on pre-exposure prophylaxis reporting transgender sexual partners.

Transgender people continue to be at high-risk for HIV acquisition, but little is known about the characteristics of their sexual partners. To address this gap, we examined sociodemographic and sexual characteristics of cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reporting transgender sexual partners.A cohort of 392 MSM in southern California in a randomized clinical trial for PrEP adherence were followed from 2013 to 2016. Multivariable generalized estimating equation and logistic models identified characteristics of MSM reporting transgender sexual partners and PrEP adherence.Only 14 (4%) MSM reported having transgender sexual partners. MSM were more likely to report transgender partners if they were African American, had incident chlamydia, reported injection drug-using sexual partners, or received items for sex. Most associations remained significant in the multivariable model: African American (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 11.20, P = .01), incident chlamydia (AOR 3.71, P = .04), and receiving items for sex (AOR 5.29, P = .04). There were no significant differences in PrEP adherence between MSM reporting transgender partners and their counterpart.MSM who report transgender sexual partners share characteristics associated with individuals with high HIV prevalence. Identifying this group distinct from larger cohorts of MSM could offer new HIV prevention opportunities for this group of MSM and the transgender community.

1261. Alarming High Rate of HIV Detected by Testing and Prevention Opportunities: Observations From the Largest HIV Program in Liberia

BackgroundHIV/AIDS remains one of the world’s most significant public health challenges. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to only 12% of the world’s population, yet accounts for 71% of the global burden of HIV infection. While the HIV prevalence among reproductive aged Liberians (age 15–49 years) is estimated at 1.9%. As the critical first step in HIV disease management is detection of cases, it is important to optimize HIV testing particularly among high-risk groups. Identifying these high-risk groups for HIV infection also provides information on prevention opportunities. We report on 5 year HIV testing data at a tertiary hospital in Monrovia, Liberia stratified by age and gender.MethodsA single-center academic hospital-based retrospective analysis of HIV testing data over a period of 5 years (January 2014 to December 2018) obtained from the Infectious Disease Center (IDC) of John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia, Liberia. The IDC has a peer-led counseling program on site and offers HIV testing daily. Data on the study population (all individuals screened for HIV disease at the center) was extracted from ledgers and registries within the IDC. The following information was collected on all participants: age, sex, and pregnancy status. Positive test results are reported as simple proportions of either all patients or all individuals tested within the category reported.ResultsOver the 5-year study period, 41,343 individuals were screened for HIV disease including 2 key demographics - 7875 individuals aged 15–24 years and 24,913 pregnant women. 4,066 individuals were diagnosed with HIV (a case detection rate of 10%), and ranged from 7% (909/12821) in 2018 to 13% (678/5079) in 2014. Case detection rates for individuals aged 15–24 were 7%, 5%, 4%, 6% and 3% for years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. From 2014–2018, 2–3% of all pregnant women tested were diagnosed with HIV infection. Almost three-quarters (74%) of diagnosed cases were subsequently enrolled in an HIV clinic.ConclusionA peer-led HIV testing program is effective in HIV case detection, with young individuals (aged 15–24 years) and pregnant women having higher case detection rates than expected. These findings highlight opportunities for HIV prevention targeting these high-risk groups.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

1283. Attitudes and Practices Regarding HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

BackgroundResearch suggests nonoccupational Post Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) is underprescribed when indicated in the Emergency Department (ED). This study is an assessment of ED providers’ attitudes and practices regarding administration of HIV nPEP.MethodsThis was an anonymous survey based on literature review and modified Delphi technique. We approached 153 ED providers at work over a 4-month period from 5 hospital-based and 2 freestanding EDs with an annual census between 35,000 and 75,000 patients. The EDs are a combination of urban, suburban, and rural EDs. There were 152 completed surveys: 80 attendings, 27 residents, and 44 physician assistants.ResultsThe majority of surveyed providers (133/149, 89.3%) believe it is their responsibility as an emergency provider to provide HIV nPEP in the emergency department (Figure 1). Although 91% (138/151) and 87% (132/151) of respondents are willing to prescribe nPEP to a patient in the ED for IV drug use and unprotected sex, respectively, only 40% (61/152) of participants felt they could confidently prescribe the appropriate regimen. Ultimately, only 25% (37/151) of participants prescribed nPEP in the last year. Number of years in practice, age, and gender did not result in a significant difference in nPEP administration. Respondents noted time (27%), access to follow-up care (26%), cost to patients (23%), patients’ perceived interest in HIV counseling (15%), and concern for ongoing risky behaviors (9%) as barriers to prescribing nPEP (Figure 2). 64% (95/149) of respondents feel that it is their responsibility as an ED provider to refer patients at risk of nonoccupational exposures for risk-reduction counseling.ConclusionThis study identified an opportunity for HIV prevention in the emergency department. The majority of participants had not prescribed nPEP in the past 12 months. Although most were willing to prescribe nPEP and felt it was their responsibility, the majority of participants were not confident in prescribing it. Future interventions to increase the use of nPEP in the ED should target provider education, cost, access to follow-up care and counseling. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

1296. Potential use of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing for Expanding HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) at an Urban Hospital Center

BackgroundDespite the high efficacy of PrEP, it continues to be underutilized. We examined the extent to which patients with a documented positive test for STIs were provided PrEP at an urban municipal medical center.MethodsWe reviewed data of all patients seen between January 1, 2014 and July 30, 2017 who were > 18 years old and had an initial HIV negative test and ≥1 positive test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, or Syphilis. We examined PrEP prescription data by gender, race/ethnicity, and clinic location. Differences between groups were compared using Chi-squared analysis and logistic regression.ResultsOf 1,142 initially HIV− patients who were identified as having a positive STI result, 52% were female, 89% either Black or Hispanic, with a median age of 40 years (quartiles 30, 47). 58% had Medicare/Medicaid and 34% were self-pay or uninsured (Table 1). Only 25 (2.1%) of 1,142 patients who had ≥1 STI test positive were prescribed PrEP. No women received PrEP. Whites (aOR: 21.7 [95% CI:4.4, 107, P < 0.001] and Hispanics (aOR:6.64 [95% CI:1.35, 32.8, P = 0.02] were both more likely to receive PrEP than Blacks, after adjusting for age, sex, marital status, and insurance. All PrEP prescriptions originated from the Medicine, Emergency, or HIV specialty clinics although most STI testing was obtained in Emergency and Obstetrical/Gynecological clinics (Table 2).ConclusionThere were significant missed opportunities for HIV prevention among patients with STIs within the medical center, particularly among Hispanic and Black patients. Enrichment programs to educate providers and increase PrEP prescriptions may have a major impact on expanding HIV prevention, especially for women. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Sustained Sexual Behavior Change After Acute HIV Diagnosis in Malawi.

Identification of acute HIV infection (AHI) allows for important opportunities for HIV prevention through behavior change and biomedical intervention. Here, we evaluate changes in sexual risk behaviors among persons with AHI enrolled in a combined behavioral and biomedical intervention designed to reduce onward transmission of HIV. Participants were randomized to standard HIV counseling, a multisession behavioral intervention, or a multisession behavioral intervention plus antiretrovirals. Sexual behaviors were assessed periodically over 1 year. Four weeks after diagnosis, the predicted probability of reporting multiple sexual partners decreased from 24% to 9%, and the probability of reporting unprotected sex decreased from 71% to 27%. These declines in sexual risk behaviors were sustained over follow-up irrespective of study arm. Diagnosis of AHI alone may be sufficient to achieve immediate and sustained behavior change during this highly infectious period.

Missed opportunities for HIV prevention: Results of a qualitative study on mother-daughter communication

This qualitative study examines the role of communication among African American mothers living with HIV and their daughters in HIV prevention. Multiple themes emerged from our analysis of semistructured interviews with mothers (n = 15), and their adult daughters, (n = 15) such as perceptions of HIV risk communication, HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. The findings of the study revealed differences in communication between mothers and daughters. Daughters felt they did not receive adequate and frequent HIV prevention advice from their mothers. Implications include strengthening communication content between mother-daughter dyads in HIV prevention programs that can aid in reducing HIV risk.