Pre-exposure and postexposure prophylaxis access in rural versus urban pharmacies in Georgia and Pennsylvania

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) prevent HIV among individuals at high risk for acquisition. Pre-existing structural barriers to PrEP/PEP access among rural patients may be exacerbated further if pharmacies do not keep PrEP/PEP in stock, constituting a significant barrier to mitigating the HIV epidemic.

To compare PrEP/PEP availability for same-day pickup in rural vs urban Georgia and Pennsylvania pharmacies.

We conducted a cross-sectional simulated patient caller study, calling pharmacists in Georgia and Pennsylvania to see whether PrEP/PEP was available for same-day pickup. We identified retail pharmacies through state pharmacy boards and categorized rurality using state-based definitions. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess PrEP availability by rurality and Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) designation, accounting for chain pharmacy status and county-level racial composition.

Among 481 pharmacies contacted (304 in Pennsylvania and 177 in Georgia), only 30.77% had PrEP for same-day pickup and only 10.55% had PEP for same-day pickup. PrEP availability did not differ significantly by state. Urban pharmacies had 2.02 (95% CI: 1.32-3.09) greater odds of PrEP same-day availability compared to rural pharmacies. Pharmacies in EHE counties had 3.45 (95% CI: 1.9-6.23) times higher odds of carrying PrEP compared to non-EHE counties.

Pharmacies were unlikely to carry PrEP or PEP. Pharmacies in rural compared to urban, and non-EHE compared to EHE locations were less likely to carry PrEP. Addressing pharmacy barriers to PrEP/PEP may enhance access to HIV prevention for those living at high risk of HIV.