International Journal of Contemporary Research In Multidisciplinary, 2024;3(3):53-66
Assessment of Challenges faced by Students in Selected Tertiary Institutions in Lusaka, Zambia in Accessing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Services: A Cross-Sectional Study
Author Name: Bright Musebo Makenzih; Patrick Kaonga; Eustarckio Kazonga;
Paper Type: research paper
Article Information
Abstract:
Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis is an effective biomedical model in the prevention of HIV infection. However, low uptake and factors associated with non-use among eligible students in most settings are not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PrEP uptake and factors associated with non-use among students from selected tertiary institutions in Lusaka, Zambia.
Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to students at seven tertiary institutions in Lusaka between August 2020 and September 2021. A multi-variable logistic regression model was fitted to determine factors associated with non-use of PrEP. All statistical analyses were conducted using Stata version 16.
Results: Overall, 425 questionnaires were given out but only 378 were returned giving 88.9% response rate. Most indicated that they had unprotected sex before 237(62.5%) and 293 (76.6%) were aware of PrEP. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that participants who did not know eligibility criteria for PrEP were 23% more likely not to uptake PrEP compared to those that knew (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.09 – 2.72; p = 0.025). Participants who did not know facilities that offer PrEP were 21% more likely not to have used PrEP compared to those who responded that they knew the facilities that offer PrEP (aOR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.07 – 2.96; p = 0.037). Participants who did not know the benefits of PrEP were almost two and half times more likely not to uptake PrEP compared to those who knew the benefits (aOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.29 = 8.54; p = 0.022).
Conclusion: The uptake of PrEP among students from selected institutions in Lusaka was low. Students should be made aware of the benefits and eligibility criteria of PrEP. Initiatives and efforts to heighten persistent uptake of PrEP among students may need a multi-factorial approach.
Keywords:
Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, HIV/AIDS, Tertiary Institutions, PrEP Determinants
How to Cite this Article:
Bright Musebo Makenzih, Patrick Kaonga, Eustarckio Kazonga. Assessment of Challenges faced by Students in Selected Tertiary Institutions in Lusaka, Zambia in Accessing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Services: A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Contemporary Research in Multidisciplinary. 2024: 3(3):53-66
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