Gaps in HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Continuum of Care Following State Partner Services for Massachusetts Primary and Secondary Syphilis Cases, 2017 to 2018.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces HIV acquisition. We used a PrEP continuum of care to measure impact of field epidemiologist-facilitated referrals for PrEP-naive infectious syphilis cases across multiple clinical and pharmacy sites of care.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 2017 to 2018 primary and secondary syphilis cases, medical charts, and pharmacy data to identify PrEP education, referral offer, referral acceptance, first visit, prescription pickup (PrEP initiation) and 2 to 3 months (PrEP persistence). The HIV seroconversion was determined using database match at syphilis diagnosis date and at 12 months. χ 2 or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare demographic characteristics associated with steps with lower progression rates.

Results: Of 1077 syphilis cases, partner services engaged 662 of 787 (84%) HIV-negative cases; 490 were PrEP-naive, 266 received education, 166 were offered referral, 67 accepted referral, 30 attended an initial appointment, and 22 were prescribed PrEP. Of 16 with pharmacy data, 14 obtained medication, and 8 persisted on PrEP at 2 to 3 months. Continuum progression was lowest from (1) PrEP-naïve to receiving PrEP education, (2) offered referral to referral acceptance, and (3) referral acceptance to initial PrEP appointment. Men with male partners were more likely to receive PrEP education or accept a referral. Higher social vulnerability was associated with increased PrEP referral acceptance.

Conclusions: Few individuals accepted PrEP referrals and persisted on PrEP. Field and clinic data capture were inconsistent, possibly underestimating referral volume and impact of field engagement. Efforts aimed at increasing referral acceptance and clinic attendance may improve PrEP uptake especially among women and heterosexual men with syphilis.