Preexposure Prophylaxis for Women Across the Criminal Justice System: Implications for Policy and Practice

Abstract

Data that inform preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation for women involved in criminal justice (WICJ) systems are scarce. In a survey of PrEP attitudes, acceptability, and barriers across the criminal justice system, incarcerated women (n = 48) were more likely than WICJ on probation (n = 125) to be eligible for PrEP (29% vs. 15%; p = .04) and willing to take PrEP if offered (94% vs. 78%; p = .01). In multivariate models, PrEP eligibility directly correlated with being incarcerated (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76–13.1) and inversely correlated with Hispanic/Latina ethnicity (aOR 0.31; 95% CI 0.10–0.96). Recent partner violence exposure was associated with PrEP eligibility (aOR 3.29; 95% CI 1.54–7.02) and discordant risk perception (aOR 2.36; 95% CI 1.18–4.70). Findings demonstrate high potential for PrEP for all WICJ, though implementation efforts will need to address partner violence.