(PL3) DOXY-PEP AND HIV PREP SYNERGIES IN A NATIONAL TELEPREP PROGRAM

Background:
In the U.S., the HIV and STI epidemics disproportionately impact communities of color (Sullivan, et al., 2014). African American cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and/or women have lower uptake of PrEP and lower PrEP retention (Abeagbo, et al., 2021). A novel intervention to improve PrEP uptake and persistence is STI-PEP. Q Care Plus, a nationally scaled digital health (telePrEP) practice, offers STI-PEP in conjunction with PrEP. Research on the synergies of STI-PEP on PrEP programs is lacking, especially regarding EHE priority groups. Preliminary data show STI-PEP has reduced STI incidence in the PrEP cohort at Q Care Plus. A less expected outcome was the effect of STI-PEP on PrEP uptake and PrEP persistence for cisgender MSM identifying as African American or Black.

Methods:
Data were collected via electronic medical records of PrEP encounters from October 1, 2023, to October 31, 2023, in 10 states where STI-PEP was offered for all patients identifying as African American or Black (n=258). A chart review was conducted to determine PrEP retention at three and six months. Data were de-identified and aggregated. Data analysis was completed using standard statistical methods.

Results:
More patients started STI-PEP at initial PrEP visits than at quarterly PrEP renewal visits (48% vs. 33%), suggesting that patients new to Q Care Plus PrEP were seeking access to STI-PEP. Of 258 PrEP encounters, those prescribed STI-PEP had higher rates of PrEP retention at three months (77%, 95% CI 0.85-0.68; vs. 71%, 95% CI 0.78-0.64) and six months (70%, 95% CI 0.79-0.61; vs. 61%, 95% CI 0.69-0.53).

Conclusion:
STI-PEP, which decreased STI incidence in Q Care Plus PrEP users, was shown to correlate with higher PrEP retention rates at three and six months in African American cisgender MSM. This review also suggests STI-PEP increased PrEP uptake in this population.