Bringing PrEP to Underserved Communities in Rio de Janeiro: the PrEPOUT Rio Study
This study aims to improve access to HIV prevention using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among underserved populations in Rio de Janeiro, including gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and sex workers. Despite the proven effectiveness of PrEP, many people at higher risk of HIV face barriers to accessing and continuing this prevention method, especially those living in socially and economically vulnerable communities. The study will evaluate whether offering PrEP directly in community-based settings-such as non-governmental organizations, mobile health units, and through telehealth and digital tools-can increase its uptake and continued use. Participants who test negative for HIV will be offered daily oral PrEP, along with counseling and follow-up support. Those who test positive will be referred for appropriate treatment. The main hypothesis is that delivering PrEP in community settings, combined with supportive strategies like mobile health interventions, will be feasible, acceptable, and more effective in reaching and engaging vulnerable populations, ultimately helping to reduce new HIV infections.
• Individuals aged 15 years or older
• Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Transgender women and travestis
• Other sexual and gender minorities (SGM)
• Cisgender women in situations of social or economic vulnerability
• Sex workers
• Individuals seeking HIV testing and/or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
• HIV-negative at screening
• Willing and interested in initiating PrEP
• Eligible for PrEP according to Brazilian national guidelines