Applying a PrEP Continuum of Care for Men who Have Sex with Men in Atlanta, GA

Reductions in HIV incidence with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men (MSM) will require significant coverage of those at risk. We propose a simplified framework, similar to the HIV care continuum, to achieve protection with PrEP as follows: 

1. At-risk MSM; 
2. Awareness of and willingness to take PrEP; 
3. Access to healthcare; 
4. Receiving a prescription; and 
5. Adhering to effective PrEP. 

We evaluated the PrEP care continuum on an Atlanta cohort of MSM and projected how many MSM might achieve protection from HIV. Even with optimistic estimates, few Atlanta MSM (15%) are projected to achieve protection from HIV with PrEP given the significant barriers described. Each continuum step represents an important point for intervention that could substantially increase the overall effectiveness of PrEP. In addition, novel strategies for PrEP delivery are needed to achieve the necessary effectiveness for Atlanta MSM at risk of HIV.

Via: http://ht.ly/S4XO6

By: Kelley CF1, Kahle E2, Siegler A2, Sanchez T2, Del Rio C3, Sullivan PS2, Rosenberg ES2.

• 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University.
• 2Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University.
• 3Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University