Individual and in-training subscription rates include print and access to the online version. Institutional rates are for print only; online subscriptions are available via Ovid. Institutions can choose to purchase a print and online subscription together for a discounted rate. Institutions that wish to purchase a print subscription, please contact Wolters

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had unforeseen consequences on the delivery of HIV and STD prevention services. However, little is known about how the pandemic has impacted PrEP-using men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsData come from an online cohort of PrEP-using MSM in the Southern United States from October 2019 to July 2020. Participants were administered ten surveys in total, including one ad hoc survey specifically on COVID-19. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of this ad hoc survey (n=56) and present changes in sexual behaviors and utilization of and access to sexual health services. Using linear mixed-effects regression models, we also analyzed data from the larger cohort (n=78) and document how sexual behaviors and PrEP use varied longitudinally focusing on three months: February (pre-pandemic), April (early pandemic), and June (later in the pandemic).ResultsA fifth of participants discontinued or changed how often they take PrEP because of COVID-19. A quarter of the cohort documented challenges when attempting to access PrEP, HIV testing, or STD testing. For all sexual behaviors examined longitudinally—number of male sexual partners, anal sex acts, condomless anal sex, oral sex (all measured in the past 2 weeks)—there was a significant decrease from February to April followed by a significant increase from April to June.DiscussionOur findings suggest reduced access to and utilization of STD and HIV services coupled with a continuation of behaviors which confer STD/HIV risk. Ensuring appropriate delivery of STD/HIV prevention services during this pandemic is imperative.

No abstract