Delivering Preexposure Prophylaxis to People Who Use Drugs and Experience Homelessness, Boston, MA, 2018-2020

Abstract

Despite high need, HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) utilization among people who use drugs (PWUD) remains low. Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program implemented an innovative "low-threshold" PrEP Program for PWUD experiencing homelessness in Boston, Massachusetts. From October 1, 2018 to February 29, 2020, 239 clients were linked to PrEP services, and 152 were prescribed PrEP (mean = 8.9/month), over twice the number of PrEP prescriptions over the previous 12 months (n = 48; mean = 4/month). The cumulative probability of remaining on PrEP for 6 months was 44% (95% confidence interval = 36%, 52%).

Figures

FIGURE 1—

Cumulative Probability of Picking Up Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Prescription and Remaining on PrEP (if Prescribed PrEP) Over 6 Months: Boston Health Care for the Homeless PrEP Program, Boston, MA, October 2018–February 2020 Note. Error bars = 95% confidence intervals. The sample size was n = 239.