Scholarlink

Background <p>Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Zambia face an elevated risk of acquiring HIV. Long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) is an effective scientific method to prevent new HIV infections. However, awareness and acceptability of LAI-PrEP among AGYW remain limited. Thus, we aimed to assess awareness and acceptability of LAI-PrEP among female students.</p> Methods <p>This multi-center, institution-based cross-sectional study involved 760 female students from three universities in Lusaka, Zambia. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Questions on acceptability and awareness were presented in a yes/no format. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 15.1.</p> Results <p>Of the 760 participants, less than half, 349 (45.9%), were aware of injectable PrEP, with lectures being the most common source of information. In terms of acceptability, 531 (69.9%) of respondents indicated they would be willing to take LAI-PrEP once available. Biomedical science students were significantly less likely to accept injectable PrEP (AOR = 0.10, CI: 0.01–0.94, <i>p</i> = 0.044), as were those not at risk of HIV in the past three months (AOR = 0.41, CI: 0.21–0.81, <i>p</i> = 0.011). Conversely, knowing a partner’s HIV status (AOR = 2.52, CI: 1.27–4.98, <i>p</i> = 0.0001) and being at risk of HIV in the past three months (AOR = 3.4, CI: 1.78–7.81, <i>p</i> = 0.011) were significantly associated with LAI-PrEP acceptability.</p> Conclusion <p>The study revealed a notable gap in awareness of LAI-PrEP among participants, with less than half being informed about its existence. Despite this low awareness, a significant majority expressed a willingness to accept LAI-PrEP if it were made available to them. This indicates a strong potential for adoption of LAI-PrEP, contingent upon improved education and awareness efforts.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Awareness and acceptability of long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among female students at tertiary learning institutions: a multi-center, institution-based cross-sectional study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月17日

查看全文
  • Martin Kampamba,
  • Pumulo Munawai,
  • Remmy Sioma,
  • Christabel Mwila Hikaambo,
  • Steward Mudenda,
  • Mukumbi Mutenda,
  • Jean M. Mukumbuta,
  • Muchindu Hampango,
  • Muzyamba Malambo,
  • Gunet Mwalungali,
  • Audrey Hamachila,
  • Billy Chabalenge,
  • Jimmy Hangoma,
  • Mashebe Innocent Ngula,
  • Bernard Appiah

摘要

Background

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Zambia face an elevated risk of acquiring HIV. Long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) is an effective scientific method to prevent new HIV infections. However, awareness and acceptability of LAI-PrEP among AGYW remain limited. Thus, we aimed to assess awareness and acceptability of LAI-PrEP among female students.

Methods

This multi-center, institution-based cross-sectional study involved 760 female students from three universities in Lusaka, Zambia. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Questions on acceptability and awareness were presented in a yes/no format. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 15.1.

Results

Of the 760 participants, less than half, 349 (45.9%), were aware of injectable PrEP, with lectures being the most common source of information. In terms of acceptability, 531 (69.9%) of respondents indicated they would be willing to take LAI-PrEP once available. Biomedical science students were significantly less likely to accept injectable PrEP (AOR = 0.10, CI: 0.01–0.94, p = 0.044), as were those not at risk of HIV in the past three months (AOR = 0.41, CI: 0.21–0.81, p = 0.011). Conversely, knowing a partner’s HIV status (AOR = 2.52, CI: 1.27–4.98, p = 0.0001) and being at risk of HIV in the past three months (AOR = 3.4, CI: 1.78–7.81, p = 0.011) were significantly associated with LAI-PrEP acceptability.

Conclusion

The study revealed a notable gap in awareness of LAI-PrEP among participants, with less than half being informed about its existence. Despite this low awareness, a significant majority expressed a willingness to accept LAI-PrEP if it were made available to them. This indicates a strong potential for adoption of LAI-PrEP, contingent upon improved education and awareness efforts.