Abstract
Background
Oral post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is effective in preventing HIV transmission. To minimize barriers to PEP for New York City (NYC) residents, the Institute for Advanced Medicine (IAM), Mount Sinai Health System, and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Health established a 24-hour 7-days PEP hotline to provide eligible callers with immediate access to PEP and follow-up clinical care.
Methods
Data from hotline callers (January to December 2017) was analyzed utilizing multivariable logistic regression to determine whether a call resulted in PEP access within 72 hours of exposure by sociodemographic variables and exposure characteristics. We describe transitions from PEP to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
Results
The PEP hotline cohort (n = 1278) was 83% male, 11% female, 1% transgender; 66% LGBTQ and 20% heterosexual; 35% White, 15% Black, 9% Asian; 41% other/unknown; 25% Hispanic; mean age of 30 years (range 14–72). The majority of callers learned about the hotline by Internet search (59%). Mean exposure time prior to call was 31 hours with 57% within 24 hours. Exposures were 98% sexual; 73% anal sex (43% receptive; 30% insertive), 21% vaginal, and 6% other. 63% reported condomless sex and 29% condom failure. 15% of callers reported a partner with HIV. 35% of callers reported alcohol or recreational substances at the time of the exposure. Prior PEP and PrEP use was 20% and 9%, respectively. 91% of callers were eligible for PEP; 69% called afterhours and received a telephone PEP prescription, and 27% called during business hours and were directed to a clinic. Access to PEP within 72 hours of exposure occurred in 1,081 (93%) of eligible callers and within 36 hours in 68%. 90% of callers had confirmed follow-up clinic appointments. Of the 472 callers linked to care at the IAM, 89 (19%) transitioned to PrEP.
Conclusion
This unique program demonstrates a timely initiative to facilitate PEP access to a diverse cohort with the purpose of mitigating risk from potential exposure to HIV. Further investigation is needed to explore adherence to PEP, follow-up testing results, transitions to PrEP for prevention planning, and coordination of health care and substance use services.
Disclosures
E. Kaplan-Lewis, Viiv: Consultant, Consulting fee. J. Aberg, Gilead: Research Contractor, Research support. GSK: Research Contractor, Research support. ViiV: Research Contractor, Research support. A. Urbina, Theratechnologies: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee. ViiV: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee. Merck: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee. Gilead: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee.
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