Low selection of HIV PrEP refills at private pharmacies among clients who initiated PrEP at public clinics: findings from a mixed-methods study in Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In Africa, the delivery of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at public healthcare clinics is challenged by understaffing, overcrowding, and HIV-associated stigma, often resulting in low PrEP uptake and continuation among clients. Giving clients the option to refill PrEP at nearby private pharmacies, which are often more convenient and have shorter wait times, may address these challenges and improve PrEP continuation.

Methods

This mixed methods study used an explanatory sequential design. At two public clinics in Kiambu County, Kenya, clients ≥ 18 years initiating PrEP were given the option to refill PrEP at the clinic where they initiated for free or at one of three nearby private pharmacies for 300 Kenyan Shillings (~ $3 US Dollars). The providers at these pha

SUBMITTER: Ortblad KF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11088131 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature