Abstract
BackgroundPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could provide protection from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in sexually active persons at risk. Limited data are available in Zimbabwe with regard to the perceptions about PrEP amongst female sex workers (FSWs).ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge levels of oral PrEP and the likelihood of its use amongst FSWs.MethodThis was a cross-sectional study in the peri-urban areas of Harare, Zimbabwe. Human immunodeficiency virus-negative FSWs were interviewed to assess their awareness of and likelihood to use PrEP. The relative importance index was used to evaluate the levels of knowledge and the likelihood of, and barriers to, PrEP use. A set of 10 questions was designed and validated that evaluated participants’ understanding of PrEP. A bivariate logistic regression model was utilised to identify predictors of PrEP use.ResultsA total of 131 FSWs with a median age of 25 years (interquartile range: 21–31) participated in this study. Of the 71 (54%) FSWs who had heard about PrEP, 46 (35%) participants had adequate knowledge of its use. A total of 102 (78%) participants revealed that they would be willing to continuously use PrEP if it was provided free of cost. Increasing age of the participants was associated with an increase in the likelihood of using PrEP (r = 0.0033, p = 0.038). More knowledge about PrEP increased the likelihood of its use (r = 0.21, p = 0.0153). This likelihood increased amongst participants with an unprotected sexual intercourse encounter in the preceding 3 months (r = 0.0448, p = 0.026).ConclusionKnowledge of PrEP amongst FSWs was low. To increase the uptake of PrEP, there is a need to further sensitise FSWs about this intervention. Programmes should also promote awareness training in FSW subgroups that are less likely to use PrEP.
Highlights
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could provide protection from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in sexually active persons at risk
It has been cited that key populations and their sex partners make up the largest proportion of people living with HIV (PLWH) and represent a significant proportion of new infections in sub-Saharan Africa.[3]
Half of the participants (50%) did not know their partner’s HIV serostatus and only 42% of the female sex workers (FSWs) would talk about HIV with their clients or partners
Summary
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could provide protection from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in sexually active persons at risk. Whilst the adult prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the general population of Zimbabwe is 15%, the prevalence in key populations is higher.[1] In populations of female sex workers (FSWs), the HIV prevalence in 2013 was 50% – 70% in different parts of Zimbabwe.[2] In many settings, key populations are hidden and stigmatised, and their representation in national surveillance data is limited. Groups that need to be offered PrEP include female and male sex workers; serodiscordant couples, that is, the HIV seronegative partner; adolescent girls and young women; pregnant women in relationships with men of unknown status and high-risk men, for example, men who have sex with men (MSM); prisoners; long-distance truck drivers; and transgender people.[4] A fixed-dose regimen of either Tenofovir 300 mg and Emtricitabine 200 mg (TDF/FTC) or Tenofovir 300 mg and Lamivudine 300 mg (TDF/3TC) has been recommended for once-daily oral administration http://www.sajhivmed.org.za
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
