Background: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) requires continued use at an effective dosage to reduce HIV incidence. Data suggest early PrEP drop-off among many populations. We sought to describe PrEP use over the first year among racial and ethnic minority patients in the US.
Setting: Racial and ethnic minority patients initiating PrEP at a federally qualified health center in Chicago, IL.
Methods: Using electronic health records, we determined the adherence (≥6 weekly doses) trajectories over the first year of PrEP use and compared baseline and time-varying patient characteristics.
Results: From 2159 patients, we identified 3 PrEP use trajectories. Sustained use was the most common (40%) trajectory, followed by short use (30%) and declining use (29%). In adjusted models, younger age, Black race, as well as gender, sexual orientation, insurance status at baseline, and neighborhood were associated with trajectory assignment; within some trajectories, insurance status during follow-up was associated with odds of monthly adherence (≥6 weekly doses).
Conclusion: Among racial and ethnic minorities, a plurality achieved sustained PrEP persistence. Access to clinics, insurance, and intersectional stigmas may be modifiable barriers to effective PrEP persistence; in addition, focus on younger users and beyond gay, cismale populations are needed.
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