Understanding barriers and facilitators to doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis adherence among young women in western kenya: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT: Sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are high globally, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where there is also a disproportionate burden of HIV. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxyPEP) is a novel strategy intended to prevent bacterial STIs following potential exposure. The dPEP Kenya Study, the first trial of doxyPEP for STI prevention among cisgender women, found that doxyPEP did not reduce STIs in the setting of low use of doxyPEP by objective drug concentrations. To assess barriers and facilitators to doxyPEP adherence, we explored participants' experiences during the dPEP Kenya Study. We conducted serial in-depth interviews (n = 40) and 4 focus group discussions (n = 29) of participants randomized to take doxyPEP. Transcripts were analyzed using an inductive

SUBMITTER: Kwach B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12220084 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature