Acceptability and Comfort Regarding Remotely Delivered PrEP Services in Mississippi

Abstract

Despite the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Mississippi, access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is mostly limited to urban areas. Remote PrEP care via telemedicine, HIV self-testing, and prescription mail delivery can improve care in underserved communities. This mixed methods study assessed the acceptability and feasibility of using remote PrEP care, compared to alternatives. This consisted of (1) a cross-sectional survey and (2) interviews. PrEP-eligible adults were recruited from community-based organizations across Mississippi while accessing HIV testing between December 2019 and May 2022. Those surveyed (n = 63) indicated the greatest comfort in receiving PrEP via mail delivery ( m = 5.14) and telemedicine ( m = 4.89) and least comfort at gyms ( m = 3.92). Comfort significantly differed between mail delivery and gyms ( F = 2.90; P < .01). Those interviewed (n = 26) expressed relatively high comfort with remote PrEP care citing enhanced accessibility, privacy, simplicity, and quality. Remote PrEP services were acceptable and feasible among our sample, thus, should be expanded in Mississippi to address unmet needs.