Integrating HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis With Community-Based Syringe Services for Women Who Inject Drugs: Results...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Substance Use Disorder Services

Background:

• Women who inject drugs (WWID) represent a growing proportion of new HIV cases in the U.S.
• Effective HIV prevention strategies are crucial for this population.
• Syringe services programs (SSPs) offer a direct link to care for WWID.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of integrating preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services within an SSP for WWID.
• To assess PrEP uptake, retention, safety, and satisfaction among WWID.
• To identify factors associated with PrEP uptake and retention in this population.

Main Methods:

• A demonstration project offered 24 weeks of daily PrEP to WWID aged 18+ within an SSP in Philadelphia, PA.
• Participants completed surveys and clinical assessments at multiple time points.
• Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze data.

Main Results:

• Of 136 recruited WWID, 95 were included, and 63 accepted a PrEP prescription.
• PrEP uptake was associated with higher SSP access frequency, inconsistent condom use, and sexual assault history.
• Retention at 24 weeks was 44.2%, higher with more frequent SSP access; safety and satisfaction were high.

Conclusions:

• Integrating PrEP services into SSPs is a feasible and acceptable strategy for WWID.
• Daily PrEP is a viable HIV prevention tool for this vulnerable population.
• Continued integration of PrEP within SSPs can improve HIV prevention outcomes for WWID.