Authors

  1. Rael , Christine Tagliaferri
  2. Das , Doyel
  3. Porter , Jonathan
  4. Lopez-Ríos , Javier
  5. Abascal , Elena
  6. Dolezal , Curtis
  7. Vaughn , Michael P.
  8. Giffenig , Pilar
  9. Lopez , Jasmine M.
  10. Stonbraker , Samantha
  11. Sun , Christina
  12. Velasco , Roque Anthony
  13. Bitterfeld , Leandra
  14. Bockting , Walter O.
  15. Bauermeister , Jose

Abstract

Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) was US Food and Drug Administration–approved in 2021. However, little is known about providers' CAB-LA knowledge, attitudes, challenges, and prescribing preferences for transgender women patients. Understanding this is critical to developing new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) interventions tailored to transgender women. We conducted 45-min, in-depth Zoom interviews (IDIs) with United States–based health care providers who prescribe PrEP to transgender women. IDIs focused on providers' CAB-LA knowledge/acceptability, willingness to prescribe CAB-LA to transgender women, potential challenges, and solutions to mitigate challenges. Providers ( N = 17) had a mean age of 43 years, and 35.4% ( n = 6) identified as people of color. Most ( n = 12) had basic knowledge of CAB-LA but wanted additional training. All participants found CAB-LA acceptable and were willing to prescribe. Most ( n = 11) anticipated minimal challenges to implementation. Others ( n = 4) reported potential issues, including logistical/scheduling concerns that impede CAB-LA integration and staffing concerns. Many providers expressed support for self-injection ( n = 13) and injections at “drop-in” clinics ( n = 8) to overcome challenges.