Considerations for the Design of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Interventions for Women: Lessons Learned from the Implementation of a Novel PrEP Intervention

Overview

Journal AIDS Behav

Specialty Infectious Diseases

Date 2021 Jun 17

PMID 34138377

Citations 20

Authors

Suzan M Walters

Joey Platt

Amarachi Anakaraonye

Sarit A Golub

Chinazo O Cunningham

Brianna L Norton

Jae M Sevelius

Oni J Blackstock

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among women in the United States has been low. To increase uptake, we developed a peer outreach and navigation PrEP intervention. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with 32 cisgender women and 3 transgender women were conducted to assess the intervention. We used a thematic approach to identify barriers to, and facilitators of the intervention. Facilitators included interest in PrEP, offer of health and social services, the intervention's women-focused approach, and peer outreach and navigation. Barriers were perceived HIV risk, concerns about medication side effects or interactions, housing insecurity and travel, co-occurring health-related conditions, and caregiving responsibilities. We recommend that future interventions consider packaging PrEP in local community settings, such as syringe exchange programs; include services such as food and housing assistance; use peers to recruit and educate women; integrate a culturally appropriate women's focus; and consider providing same-day PrEP.

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