Formalized peer referral to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis supported with self-testing: a mixed-methods pilot study among young Kenyan women.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The uptake of daily oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-a highly effective intervention-remains low among African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who could benefit. AGYW who initiate PrEP often do so through informal peer referral, which may be enhanced with formalized peer referral and peer-delivered HIV self-testing (HIVST). To understand the feasibility of this PrEP referral model among AGYW, we conducted a pilot study in Kenya.

Method

From March to May 2022, we recruited AGYW (≥16-24 years) using PrEP (i.e., "peer providers") from public healthcare clinics in Kiambu County and trained them on HIV prevention, HIVST use, and peer-supported linkage to clinic-based HIV services. Following training, peer providers received eight HIVST kits and were enc

SUBMITTER: McGowan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11422135 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature