Perceptions of pre-exposure prophylaxis among sexually active adolescent girls and young women in Zimbabwe-A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW; aged 15-24 years) in Zimbabwe face high risk of contracting HIV. Despite proven effectiveness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), its uptake and continuation among AGYW is low. We aimed to explore views on PrEP, norms around sexual behaviour and how programs can improve PrEP uptake among this group. From December 2021 to March 2023 nine focus group discussions were held with 92 (8-12 per group) sexually active AGYW, purposively selected from programs offering sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to AGYW in Harare, Mazowe and Matabeleland South. Discussions were participatory and analysed thematically. Participants were aged 16-24 years; 73% had attained some high school education, 9% had never tested for HIV and 70% never used PrEP. Across a

SUBMITTER: Chidhanguro K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12671731 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature