Objective: We evaluated preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, initiation, and continuation within a nurse-facilitated pharmacy-based delivery model for Kenyan adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) seeking contraception at retail pharmacies.
Methods: From October 2020 to March 2021, PrEP-trained nurses were stationed at three retail pharmacies in Kisumu, Kenya. AGYW (aged 15-24 years) purchasing contraception (emergency contraception, oral contraceptive pills, injectables, implants, condoms) were counseled on PrEP, completed HIV testing, and offered a free 1-month supply of PrEP pills per national guidelines by nurses under supervision of a remote physician. We evaluated uptake among all AGYW offered PrEP. At 30 days after uptake, we evaluated PrEP use initiation and plans for continuation.
Results: We enrolled 235 AGYW clients who were HIV-negative and purchasing contraception at pharmacies. Emergency contraception was the most frequently purchased contraceptive (35%). Median age was 22 years (IQR 19-23), 44% were currently in school, and 33% currently had multiple sexual partners. One-fourth (24%) exchanged sex for money or favors and 14% had sex while intoxicated in the prior 6 months. Overall, PrEP uptake was 85%; at 1 month, 82% had initiated PrEP use and 68% planned to continue use. Among those initiating PrEP, 69% were willing to pay for PrEP at retail pharmacies (median KES 150, IQR 100-200) even if available for free at public sector facilities.
Conclusion: In this evaluation of nurse-facilitated PrEP delivery at pharmacies in Kenya, a substantial proportion of AGYW who purchased contraception subsequently initiated PrEP, planned to continue use, and were willing to pay for PrEP.
Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.