HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Uptake Among US Youth in a National Claims Database

What factors are associated with preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation among adolescents and young adults with an indication for HIV prevention?In this cohort study of 100 536 youths aged 13 to 21 years with commercial insurance who had documented sexually transmitted infection or high-risk sexual behavior, only 1598 filled a PrEP prescription. PrEP use was significantly higher among older youths, males, and those living in states with LGBTQ+ protective laws, and lower among youths in the South and Midwest.These findings suggest that PrEP uptake among youths remains low, and interventions should address geographic disparities, legal and policy barriers, and clinician engagement.

Corresponding Author: Nicholas Venturelli, MD, MPH, Boston Children’s Hospital, 333 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115 (nicholas.venturelli@childrens.harvard.edu).

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