Over-the-Counter PrEP: Acceptability, Feasibility, and Potential Impact of Access without a Prescription

Overview:
The population-level impact of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been limited by barriers to access. Frequent clinical visits and laboratory monitoring during PrEP use can be inconvenient or infeasible, particularly for people who are employed, caregivers, living in rural areas, or struggling to meet basic needs. Several key barriers to PrEP access and use could be alleviated by making PrEP available over the counter (OTC). If PrEP were OTC, it could be conveniently accessed without provider visits, laboratory-based testing, or their associated costs, facilitating initiation and sustained use. People would not need to disclose behaviors to clinicians, easing access for all but particularly for populations experiencing stigma in healthcare settings. Feasibility of OTC PrEP depends on the extent to which key stakeholders believe it has added value, as well as the extent to which barriers to implementation can be overcome. The objective of this study is to conduct individual interviews with a diverse group of stakeholders, including potential end-users, to explore acceptability and feasibility of OTC PrEP. 

Study Type:
Mixed Methods

IRB Approved:
Yes

Target Sample Size:
5

Target Audience:
>=18 years old; likely to benefit from HIV PrEP (but no PrEP experience is required) 

How to Apply:
Scan the QR code and complete a brief REDCap survey expressing interest. If we have not reached our target sample size, the research team will follow up and contact the individual to schedule an interview.

Study Contact:
Lauren Violette
lauren_violette@hphci.harvard.edu