Lack of health insurance is associated with delays in PrEP initiation among young black men who have sex with men in Atlanta, US: a longitudinal cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Delays between receiving a PrEP prescription and taking a first dose increase the risk of HIV infection. This is especially relevant in populations with high HIV incidence, such as young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) in the United States. Additionally, YBMSM have relatively low levels of health insurance. We investigated whether lack of health insurance and reliance on PrEP funding through the manufacturer assistance programme (MAP) leads to delays in initiation of PrEP.

Methods

HIV-negative YBMSM were offered PrEP as part of a prospective cohort. Enrolment began in June 2015 with follow-up through February 2019. Interested participants attended a PrEP clinician visit and received a prescription. Those with health insurance received a copay assistance

SUBMITTER: Serota DP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6781266 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature