For a study, researchers sought to learn about people’s attitudes toward and preferences for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for pregnant women at risk of HIV infection. In the qualitative study, they purposively recruited and interviewed pregnant women from a U.S. urban obstetrics clinic who were at risk of HIV infection (as indicated by a recent sexually transmitted infection [STI]). The interview questions focused on perceived HIV risk, PrEP knowledge and perceptions, and preferences for various PrEP formulations. They coded data with deductive and inductive codes, developed matrices to investigate trends in findings, and prepared memoranda to understand emergent themes.
There were a total of 20 patients participated in the study. The participants’ median age was 24 (interquartile range 19–26 years), 95.0% were African Americans, 65.0% had a high school diploma, and 70.0% were pregnant unexpectedly. Despite their recent STI, participants had little awareness about PrEP and believed they were at low to no risk of contracting HIV. Furthermore, participants’ low HIV risk assessment and worries about pharmaceutical safety limited PrEP acceptance. Furthermore, very few had addressed PrEP with their obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyms) during prenatal care, which influenced perceived acceptability even further. Participants who did discuss PrEP with their OB/GYNs, on the other hand, had a positive attitude about it. The patients reported that they would select a formulation based on their own preferences, which were mostly influenced by perceived ease of use, acceptability, and past experience with various prescription regimens.
Obstetricians and gynecologists might play a significant role in raising pregnant women’s understanding of and access to PrEP throughout pregnancy, particularly among those at risk of HIV infection. PrEP formulations should be customized to individual preferences to enhance uptake and adherence throughout this period. HIV prevention during this vital life transition is critical not only for the long-term health and well-being of pregnant women and their newborns but also for the United States’ ambition to end the HIV pandemic by 2030.
Reference:journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2022/04000/Preexposure_Prophylaxis_Acceptability_Among.9.aspx
