National Trends in HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Dispensing to Young Adults, 2016-2023

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• HIV Prevention

Background:

• U.S. young adults represent a significant portion of new HIV diagnoses.
• No prior national studies have analyzed recent trends in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) dispensing for this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the trends in PrEP dispensing among young adults in the U.S. from 2016 to 2023.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing the IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription Database.
• Analysis of quarterly PrEP dispensing rates, initiation rates, and mean persistence among young adults aged 18-25 years.
• Joinpoint regression analysis to identify trend changes and subgroup analyses by age.

Main Results:

• The quarterly PrEP dispensing rate per 100,000 young adults increased from 26.4 in 2016 to 208.4 in 2023.
• PrEP initiation rate trends mirrored dispensing trends.
• Mean PrEP persistence decreased from 111.6 to 98.4 days between 2016 and 2023, with younger individuals showing lower rates.

Conclusions:

• PrEP dispensing and initiation are rising among U.S. young adults.
• Treatment episode durations for PrEP are decreasing in this population.
• Enhanced strategies are necessary to improve patient retention and adherence to PrEP therapy.