1965. PrEP On the Go! Implementation Mobile PrEP, STI, and HIV Prevention Services in South Florida

Abstract Background Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce HIV incidence when implemented effectively for people who are at highest risk of HIV infection. However, access to and uptake of PrEP remains suboptimal among priority populations such as black and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). We established mobile HIV prevention/PrEP services delivered with cancer screening services through the Sylvester Gamechanger vehicle. We describe demographics, utilization, and early retention in PrEP care delivered through this model. Methods We selected four local HIV high-incidence areas where PrEP services were lacking, to locate the clinic. The vehicle, staffed by a medical provider, HIV/PrEP counselor, and cancer educator, returned to each site regularly. In addition to self-referrals, Prevention305, a community-based organization, developed focused patient recruitment through social media. Services were provided at no cost. Normative demographics, risk behavior, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and early-maintenance-in-care data were collected. Descriptive statistics were compiled using SPSS. Results From October 2018 to April 2019 services were provided to 229 clients. Of these, 168 (73.7%) sought PrEP. Of PrEP clients, 125 (74.4%) identified as White/Hispanic, 6 (3.5%) as Black/Hispanic, 6 (3.5%) as White/non-Hispanic, 11 (6.5%) as Black/non-Hispanic, and 19 (11.3%) as other; 124 (73.8%) were foreign-born; 159 (94.9%) of PrEP clients identified as MSM. Six (3.5%) PrEP-seeking clients were HIV positive at baseline. Of these, 2 were identified as acute/early infections. An initial PrEP prescription was filled by 166 (98.8%). Of the 77 clients seen within the initial 3 months of operation and due for follow-up assessment, 55 (71.4%) completed a follow-up visit. Overall, 45 (26.6%) PrEP clients had positive STI results (gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis) at baseline. Nine (16.3%) clients returned positive STI results at their follow-up visit. Conclusion Implementation of mobile HIV prevention services including PrEP is feasible and is effective in engaging Hispanic/Latino immigrant MSM. High demand for services is noted and plans are underway to increase capacity and outreach to other highly affected groups. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

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Adherence to quarterly HIV prevention services and its impact on HIV incidence in men who have sex with men in West Africa (CohMSM ANRS 12324 – Expertise France)

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10994-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ter Tiero Elias Dah ◽

◽

Issifou Yaya ◽

Luis Sagaon-Teyssier ◽

Alou Coulibaly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Prevention ◽

West Africa ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

Estimating Equation ◽

Hiv Incidence ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Prevention Services ◽

Medical Visits ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract Background Access to tailored HIV prevention services remains limited for West African MSM. We assessed adherence to quarterly HIV prevention services and its impact on HIV incidence in MSM followed up in four cities in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study between 2015 and 2018. HIV-negative MSM aged over 18 benefited from quarterly medical visits which included a clinical examination, HIV testing, screening and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections, peer-led counselling and support, and the provision of condoms and lubricants. Determinants of adherence to quarterly follow-up visits and incident HIV infections were identified using generalized estimating equation models and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively. Results 618 MSM were followed up for a median time of 20.0 months (interquartile range 15.2–26.3). Overall adherence to quarterly follow-up visits was 76.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 75.1–77.8), ranging from 66.8% in Abidjan to 87.3% in Lomé (p < 0.001). 78 incident HIV infections occurred during a total follow-up time of 780.8 person-years, giving an overall incidence of 10.0 per 100 person-years (95% CI 8.0–12.5). Adherence to quarterly follow-up visits was not associated with the risk of incident HIV infection (adjusted hazard ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.44–1.44, p = 0.545). Conclusions Strengthening HIV prevention services among MSM in West Africa, including the use of PrEP, will be critical for controlling the epidemic, not only in this key population but also in the general population. Quarterly follow-up of MSM, which is essential for PrEP delivery, appears feasible. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02626286 (December 10, 2015).

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Adherence to quarterly HIV prevention services and its impact on HIV incidence in men who have sex with men in West Africa (CohMSM ANRS 12324 – Expertise France)

10.21203/rs.3.rs-44782/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ter Tiero Elias DAH ◽

Issifou Yaya ◽

Luis Sagaon-Teyssier ◽

Alou Coulibaly ◽

Malan Jean-Baptiste Kouamé ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Prevention ◽

West Africa ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

Estimating Equation ◽

Hiv Incidence ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Prevention Services ◽

Medical Visits ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract BackgroundAccess to tailored HIV prevention services remains limited for West African MSM. We assessed adherence to quarterly HIV prevention services and its impact on HIV incidence in MSM followed up in four cities in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Togo.MethodsWe performed a prospective cohort study between 2015 and 2018. HIV-negative MSM aged over 18 benefited from quarterly medical visits which included a clinical examination, HIV testing, screening and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections, peer-led counselling and support, and the provision of condoms and lubricants. Determinants of adherence to quarterly follow-up visits and incident HIV infections were identified using generalized estimating equation models and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively.Results618 MSM were followed up for a median time of 20.0 months (interquartile range 15.2–26.3). Overall adherence to quarterly follow-up visits was 76.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 75.1–77.8), ranging from 66.8% in Abidjan to 87.3% in Lomé (p < 0.001). 78 incident HIV infections occurred during a total follow-up time of 780.8 person-years, giving an overall incidence of 10.0 per 100 person-years (95% CI 8.0-12.5). Adherence to quarterly follow-up visits was not associated with the risk of incident HIV infection (adjusted hazard ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.51–1.67, p = 0.791).ConclusionsStrengthening HIV prevention services among MSM in West Africa, including the use of PrEP, will be critical for controlling the epidemic, not only in this key population but also in the general population. Quarterly follow-up of MSM, which is essential for PrEP delivery, appears feasible.ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02626286 (December 10, 2015)https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT02626286

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Joint effects of alcohol and stimulant use disorders on self-reported sexually transmitted infections in a prospective study of Cambodian female entertainment and sex workers

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/0956462420964647 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 095646242096464

Author(s):

Jennifer L Evans ◽

Marie-Claude Couture ◽

Adam Carrico ◽

Ellen S Stein ◽

Sokunny Muth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

Sex Workers ◽

Self Report ◽

Medical Provider ◽

Joint Effects ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Stimulant Use ◽

Hiv Risk Reduction Interventions ◽

A Prospective Study

Female entertainment and sex workers (FESW) have high rates of alcohol and amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use, increasing risk for HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI), and other negative outcomes. A prospective cohort of 1,198 FESW in a HIV/ATS use prevention intervention in Cambodia was assessed for alcohol and stimulant use disorders (AUD and SUD) using the Alcohol and Substance Use Involvement (ASSIST) scale. STI history was measured by self-report at baseline and at quarterly follow-up visits. Participants were asked if they had been diagnosed with an STI by a medical provider in the past 3 months. Marginal structural models were used to estimate joint effects of AUD and SUD on recent STI. At baseline, one-in-four screened AUD positive and 7% screened positive for SUD. At 18-months, 26% reported ≥1 recent STI. Accounting for time-varying and other known confounders, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for recent STI associated with AUD alone and SUD alone were 2.8 (95% CI:1.5–5.1) and 3.5 (95% CI:1.1–11.3), respectively. The AOR for joint effects of AUD and SUD was 5.7 (95% CI:2.2–15.2). AUD and SUD are independently and jointly associated with greater odds of STI among Cambodian FESW. Further research is critical for understanding how AUD and SUD potentiate biological and behavioural pathways that influence STI acquisition and to inform HIV risk-reduction interventions in FESW.

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What's PrEP?: Peer Navigator Acceptability among Minority MSM in Washington

10.21203/rs.2.14036/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Jade Pagkas-Bather ◽

Jahn Jaramillo ◽

Jsani Henry ◽

Vanessa Grandberry ◽

Luis F. Ramirez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Prevention ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Medical Provider ◽

Sexual Stigma ◽

Prevention Services ◽

Western Washington ◽

Minority Men ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Peer Navigation ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background: Peer navigation is a promising strategy to link at-risk minority men who have sex with men (MSM) to HIV prevention services including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Methods: Thirty-two Black and 63 Latinx HIV-negative MSM living in western Washington completed a survey examining attitudes towards peer navigation and PrEP. Factor analysis derived a score for peer navigator acceptability, and linear regression identified associations with this outcome . Results: Forty-eight percent were interested in peer navigation. Being insured, higher sexual stigma, and higher PHQ-9 score were associated with higher acceptability, while higher income and having a regular medical provider were associated with lower acceptability. In multivariable analysis, higher sexual stigma predicted higher acceptability, while higher income predicted lower acceptability. Conclusion: Men preferred that peers be matched on sexual orientation, race, age and culture. Peer navigation interventions to reach minority men should address stigma, focus on lower-income men, and try to match peers to clients to the extent possible. Key words: HIV prevention, pre-exposure prophylaxis, Black, Latinx, men who have sex with men

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Social media based strategies to reach Hispanic young adults with tailored sexual health information

Social Work and Social Sciences Review ◽

10.1921/swssr.v21i1.1286 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 73-93

Author(s):

Sofia B Fernandez ◽

Eric F Wagner ◽

Michelle Hospital ◽

Melissa Howard ◽

Staci Leon Morris

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Young Adults ◽

Hiv Prevention ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Minority Group ◽

The United States ◽

South Florida ◽

Future Research ◽

Sexual Health Information ◽

Prevention Services

Abstract: Hispanics constitute the largest ethnic minority group in the United States. As the country’s fastest growing demographic, social welfare and public health professionals need to focus on ameliorating HIV-related health disparities affecting Hispanics. This study evaluated an innovative HIV prevention effort with Hispanic young adults in South Florida that utilized a social media based platform to increase access to critical HIV prevention information and services. This study (1) evaluated the effectiveness of exposure to the online campaign using an experimental design and (2) provided a systematic review of the campaign’s content and user interactivity. Hispanic young adults (ages 18-24) completed baseline and follow-up assessments focused on risk perceptions and incorporation of HIV preventive behaviors. Mixed ANOVA and logistic regression analysis revealed no significant differences between groups (exposure versus no exposure to the online campaign); however, there was a statistically significant increase in awareness of HIV prevention services across both study conditions (p< .001). Findings reflect the challenges of and opportunities for conducting HIV prevention work online and suggest areas of future research for enhancing online engagement among hard to reach populations.

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Encouraging Survey Participation Among Individuals Seeking HIV Prevention Services: Does a Community Identity Match Help or Hurt?

Health Education & Behavior ◽

10.1177/1090198105285331 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 55-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jocelyn Elise Crowley ◽

Brian H. Roff ◽

Jeneve Lynch

Keyword(s):

Hiv Prevention ◽

Community Identity ◽

Community Based ◽

Face To Face ◽

Prevention Services ◽

Community Based Organizations ◽

Identity Match ◽

At Risk Populations ◽

Single Method

Understanding the behaviors and attitudes of at-risk populations is fundamental to controlling the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The problem of nonresponse among these populations, however, plagues survey research designed to address these issues. Previous work undertaken to map out the dynamics of nonresponse—bothnoncontacts and refusals—have primarily focused on exploringthe effectiveness of a single method of outreach. This analysis improves on this prior research by comparing the effectiveness of two types of outreach strategies in a follow-up face-to-face survey of individuals seeking HIV prevention services in New Jersey during the period 1999-2001. Case workers from community-based organizations (CBOs) attempted to contact one set of respondents, whereas “outsider” researchers attempted to contact the second set. In brief, the authors find that in contrast to a CBO research affiliation, an outsider researcher status is associated with higher survey response rates.

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