Assessing young Kenyan women's willingness to engage in a peer-delivered HIV self-testing and referral model for PrEP initiation: A qualitative formative research study

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.932948
• Publication Date: 2022-10-06T13:33:27Z
• Authors: Maureen McGowan; Edinah Casmir; Njeri Wairimu; Peter Mogere; Albrecht Jahn; Kenneth Ngure; Katrina F. Ortblad; Stephanie D. Roche
• Keywords: Serostatus; Pre-exposure prophylaxis; Facilitator

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective for HIV prevention, but uptake remains low, especially among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Kenya. A model which trained AGYW using PrEP deliver self-tests to their close friends refer them may help increase this population. To understand AGYW's potential willingness engage such a model, we conducted qualitative formative study Method We semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) with (16 24 years) Kiambu County who were determined at risk of acquisition. purposively recruited “PrEP-naïve” (no prior use) “PrEP-experienced” used least 1 month within the previous year. solicited perspectives on initiating/engaging conversations about PrEP, distributing/receiving self-test kits, referring/following through referral clinic-based services. analyzed verbatim transcripts rapid analysis combination inductive deductive approaches, latter informed by Integrated Behavior Model (IBM). Results From August December 2020, 30 IDIs: 15 PrEP-experienced PrEP-naïve AGYW. Participants' median age was 20 [interquartile range (IQR): 20–22]. Overall, most participants anticipated that they would be willing model. emphasized salience concerns friends' behaviors, several noting are already habit discussing friends. Many additionally expressed positive attitudes toward proposed target perceived these normative AGYW, confidence ability carry out behaviors proper support. Although few had HIVST experience, nearly all able use an kit correctly if provided instruction. Conclusion The Kenyan participated generally formal peer enhanced peer-delivered self-tests. Future research needed pilot test determine its acceptability, feasibility, effect