A synergistic effect is seen for multimodal strategies to improve uptake of, and adherence to, HIV prevention among at-risk young people, according to a study published in The Lancet Digital Health. Dallas Swendeman, PhD, MPH, and colleagues assessed the efficacy of automated text messaging and monitoring (AMMI), online peer support, and strengths-based telehealth coaching to improve uptake of, and adherence to, PrEP, condom use, and postexposure prophylaxis among 895 people aged 16-24 at risk for HIV. At baseline, two-thirds of participants reported anal sex without a condom in the previous 12 months. PrEP use at baseline (11%) was comparable to that of young people nationally but increased at 4 months to 15% and continued to increase in the AMMI plus peer support and coaching group (OR, 2.31 vs AMMI control). Interventions had no effect on condom use, post-exposure prophylaxis use (ie, prescription or adherence), PrEP adherence, or sexual partner numbers.
