Abstract

People who exchange sex for money, drugs, or other goods constitute a population that is highly stigmatized and marginalized, often facing barriers when accessing healthcare. Despite increased rates of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, many in this population are not receiving preventative health services. Specifically, many individuals who would be candidates for pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) are not currently prescribed these highly effective and safe medications. This project seeks to address this disparity by partnering with local mutual aid organizations that provide support and advocacy for those engaged in sex work. Through this collaboration, the project seeks to use participant interviews to understand barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake among people who engage in sex work in St. Louis city. These data will then be used to support targeted education about PrEP for HIV and to create pathways that facilitate access to PrEP prescribers for those who become interested.