Work

HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis in the U.S. Military Services — 2014–2016

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a substantial health concern for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and for service members stationed throughout the world.Each year, approximately 350 new HIV infections are diagnosed in members of the U.S. military services, with most infections acquired within the United States (1).The DoD populations most affected by HIV mirror those in the U.S. civilian population; the highest rates of new military diagnoses are in men and blacks or African Americans (blacks) (1).Blacks are disproportionally affected, and most new diagnoses occur among men who have sex with men (MSM).HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is approximately 90% effective in preventing HIV infection when used properly (2), and an increasing number of active duty personnel have used HIV prevention services and PrEP in the military health system since the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"* in 2011 (3).Military health system and service records were reviewed to describe HIV PrEP use among military personnel, and military health care providers were surveyed to assess HIV PrEP knowledge and attitudes.Among 769 service members prescribed PrEP during February 1, 2014-June 10, 2016, 60% received prescriptions from an infectious disease provider, 19% were black men, and 42% were aged >28 years.Half of surveyed military health care providers self-rated their PrEP knowledge as poor.DoD is developing new policy to address access to care challenges by defining requirements and establishing pathways for universal patient access to PrEP.Charts were reviewed for service members without a diagnosis of HIV infection whose records indicated a prescription for emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada, Gilead Sciences, Inc.) during February 1, 2014-June 10, 2016, and * The 1993 Department of Defense policy that prohibited military personnel from discriminating against service members or applicants who did not disclose their homosexual or bisexual sexual orientation, while barring openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual persons from military service.MMWR / May 25, 2018 / Vol.67 / No. 20 US Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The MMWR series of publications is published by the Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S.

Source: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6720a1