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Publication Title
“I prefer to take pills when I plan to have sex”: Perceptions of on-demand versus daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among adolescents in Kampala, Uganda
Author Name
Yunia Mayanja
Other Authors
Rachel Kawuma
Zam Nabalwanyi
Janet Seeley
Author Email
Yunia.Mayanja@mrcuganda.org
Author's Country
Uganda
Date Published
Key Words
acceptability, adolescents, high risk, HIV prevention, PrEP regimen and preferences, young people
Abstract
There is limited information about the use of on-demand and daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among adolescents and young people (AYP) in sub-Saharan Africa. We explored perceptions of both regimens among 14- to 19-year-olds perceived to be at high risk of HIV infection in Kampala, Uganda, using qualitative data collection methods. Data were analysed by theme and interpreted based on constructs from the framework of acceptability. Although there were no noticeable gender differences in preferences for a particular regimen, acceptability of PrEP depended on individual AYP sexual behaviour at the time of the study. Those who perceived themselves to be at increased risk of acquiring HIV preferred using daily PrEP, citing the consistency that comes from taking a pill daily and which they considered to be efficacious and safe. AYP who had less frequent sex preferred on-demand PrEP because it would enable them to “plan for sex”. However, both groups perceived taking daily PrEP to