Missed Opportunities: A Narrative Review on Why Nonoccupational Postexposure Prophylaxis for HIV Is Underutilized

Abstract

Abstract Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an important tool for preventing HIV infection but remains underutilized. In this narrative review, we aim to summarize the frequency of missed opportunities for prescribing PEP among studies from around the world, discuss the complexities of the challenges facing PEP provision, and describe possible solutions. We identified 20 studies published in the last 10 years among 43 832 individuals, of whom an estimated 41 477 were eligible for PEP. Of those eligible for PEP, PEP was prescribed among 27 705 (66.8%). There was a significant difference in PEP prescriptions in acute compared with non–acute care settings (63.5% vs 94.5%; P < .001). Emergent themes contributing to PEP underutilization included lack of provider and patient awareness, reduced PEP acceptability, HIV stigma and homophobia, lack of access (either to care or to medication), and stigmatizing policies. Each of those issues should be the focus of future PEP implementation efforts.