Exploring user and stakeholder perspectives from South Africa and Uganda to refine microarray patch development for HIV PrEP delivery and as a multipurpose prevention technology

ABSTRACT:

Background

Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective, but alternative delivery options are needed to reach more users. Microarray patches (MAPs), a novel drug-delivery system containing micron-scale projections or “microneedles” that deliver drugs via skin, are being developed to deliver long-acting HIV PrEP and as a multipurpose prevention technology to protect from HIV and unintended pregnancy. We explored whether MAP technology could meet user and health system needs in two African countries.

Methods

Researchers in South Africa and Uganda conducted 27 focus group discussions, 76 mock-use exercises, and 31 key informant interviews to explore perceptions about MAPs and specific features such as MAP size, duration of protection, delivery indicator, and

SUBMITTER: Ismail A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10470907 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature