Assessing acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among participants in an HIV vaccine preparedness study in southwestern Uganda
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLoS ONE
Abstract
Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is highly effective against HIV infection.
However, the uptake of PrEP among individuals at high-risk of HIV acquisition in sub-Saharan
Africa varies because of availability and acceptability. We assessed the acceptability of
PrEP among participants in a prospective HIV vaccine preparedness study in Masaka,
southwestern Uganda.
Methods
From November 2018 to August 2019, 20 participants (10 female) were purposively
selected for in-depth interviews (IDIs) at 3 and 9 months’ post-enrolment in the vaccine preparedness
study. Four focus group discussions (FGD) (two among men) were conducted
with 29 individuals categorized as: younger (18–24 years) men, younger (18–24 years)
women, older (�30 years) men, and older (�30 years) women. Apart from IDI specific questions
on recent life history including work experience, relationship history and places lived,
topics for IDIs and FGDs included knowledge of HIV, perceptions of HIV risk (including own
risk), knowledge of and use of PrEP. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability was used
to structure a thematic framework approach for data analysis.
Results
Participants understood that PrEP was an oral pill taken daily by HIV negative individuals to
prevent acquisition of HIV. Overall, interest in and acceptability of PrEP was high, more than
half expressed positivity towards PrEP but were not ready to initiate taking it citing the burden
of daily oral pill taking, related side effects, stigma and distrust of PrEP. Fourteen participants (from IDI and FGD) initiated PrEP, although some (one FGD and two IDI participants)
stopped taking it due to side effects or perceived reduced risk.
Conclusion
We observed a keen interest in PrEP initiation among our study participants. However, a
limited understanding of PrEP and associated concerns impeded uptake and sustained use.
Hence, interventions are needed to address end-user challenges to increase uptake and
support adherence
Description
Keywords
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Participants, HIV vaccine, Southwestern Uganda
Citation
Nakamanya S, Kawuma R, Kibuuka D, Kusemererwa S, McCormack S, Ruzagira E, et al. (2022) Assessing acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among participants in an HIV vaccine preparedness study in southwestern Uganda. PLoS ONE 17(7): e0271104. https://doi. org/10.1371/journal.pone.0271104