Delivering Preexposure Prophylaxis to People Who Use Drugs and Experience Homelessness, Boston, MA, 2018–2020
Katie B. Biello, Angela R. Bazzi, Seamus Vahey, Mary Harris, Leah C. Shaw, Jennifer K. Brody
Abstract
Despite high need, HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization among people who use drugs (PWUD) remains low. Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program implemented an innovative "low-threshold" PrEP Program for PWUD experiencing homelessness in Boston, Massachusetts. From October 1, 2018 to February 29, 2020, 239 clients were linked to PrEP services, and 152 were prescribed PrEP (mean = 8.9/month), over twice the number of PrEP prescriptions over the previous 12 months (n = 48; mean = 4/month). The cumulative probability of remaining on PrEP for 6 months was 44% (95% confidence interval = 36%, 52%).
Topics & Concepts
Pre-exposure prophylaxisMedicineMedical prescriptionConfidence intervalHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Family medicineGerontologyPsychiatryDemographyMen who have sex with menNursingInternal medicineSyphilisSociologyHomelessness and Social IssuesHIV/AIDS Research and InterventionsHIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk