Delivering Preexposure Prophylaxis to People Who Use Drugs and Experience Homelessness, Boston, MA, 2018-2020

Am J Public Health. 2021 Jun;111(6):1045-1048. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2021.306208.

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%).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Boston
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons*
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence / statistics & numerical data
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis / statistics & numerical data*
  • Substance-Related Disorders*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents