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Factors influencing the uptake of a mono-PrEP implant for the prevention of HIV: Males' perspectives from three South African provinces.
- Source :
- PLoS ONE; 1/2/2024, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p1-18, 18p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention method; however, males over 15 years face challenges with its effective use. Long-acting prevention products could address barriers to effective PrEP use. This study aimed to estimate the potential uptake of a mono-PrEP implant and the factors influencing uptake among males in South Africa. The study also examined messaging and demand creation tactics that males perceive will improve HIV prevention uptake. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study comprising participatory workshops and a self-administered survey among 142 PrEP-eligible males (18–40 years) in three provinces (Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Kwa-Zulu Natal) in South Africa from July to November 2022. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between the potential uptake of a hypothetical, non-biodegradable mono-PrEP implant and socioeconomic and behavioural factors. Workshop data were analysed using content analysis. Results: The top three HIV prevention products that males would consider using were the monthly pill (74.6%), the mono-PrEP implant (62.7%), and event-driven oral PrEP (59.2%). If one prevention option was available, 31.7% of participants stated that they would use the monthly oral pill, 28.2% would use the six-monthly injection, and 19.7% the mono-PrEP implant. Four key themes were noted as influential to potential mono-PrEP uptake: "Health Over Everything", "Mono-PrEP Implant Concerns", "Potential Disclosure of Mono-PrEP Use", and "Information Distribution Channels". Participants preferred social and mainstream media as information distribution channels to receive information on HIV prevention services, including the mono-PrEP implant. Conclusion: In this study among predominantly heterosexual men in South Africa, there was interest in long-acting HIV prevention methods but concerns about the mono-PrEP implant. A comprehensive and participatory introduction will be needed for the implant, to improve acceptability and address potential concerns. Demand-creation strategies utilising social media and health campaigns should be considered to engage and reach males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- HIV prevention
HIV
PRE-exposure prophylaxis
MALES
HETEROSEXUAL men
MARKETING channels
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 19326203
- Volume :
- 19
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- PLoS ONE
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 174560274
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0296341