Acceptance of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Program at STD Clinic

Abstract

Jodie L Suh, Paul D. Persaud and Yesenia Alvarez

Daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in reducing risk of HIV infection from sex and drug injection, yet utilization remains low due to lack of knowledge among patients and providers, as well as access. HIV PrEP program was initiated at a sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic. 85 patients were enrolled at the STD program run by a local department of health over an 18-month period. Majority of patients were uninsured or on public assistance. Average duration of treatment was 9 months. Two individuals HIV seroconverted during the observation period. Overall, HIV PrEP was well accepted in a high-risk STD Clinic population. There continues to be need for greater public awareness to effectively implement PrEP along with other prevention strategies to reduce HIV infection in a real world setting.

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