Abstract

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention has evolved significantly over the years and now demonstrated the efficacy of oral PrEP. PrEP presents the opportunity to change the face of HIV prevention by offering a new option for protection against HIV and disrupting current HIV prevention systems. PrEP is an HIV prevention method that uses antiretroviral (ARVs, anti-HIV) drugs to help prevent HIV. It is primarily taken by HIV negative patients, and reduces the chances of getting HIV. A positivity rate of 3% in the North West region, with Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) tested of 1676 and positive of 78 which gives a positivity rate of 4% and Female Sex Workers (FSW) tested of 4203 and positive identification of 189 and positivity rate of 4%. Addressing PrEP is fundamental to delivering quality healthcare and achieving optimal health, hence the research titled “the determinants of discontinuity and sero-conversion by men who have sex with men and female sex workers, receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV/AIDS in the North West Region. Questionnaires were administered to 150 members of key population in the North West (MSM and FSW). A cross-sectional study with a purposive sampling method was used in data collection from consented study respondents. Selected participants of each group for the interview, questionnaire administration, was based on their availability and convenience. Data obtained was analysed using the SPSS version 23, and statistical significance was considered if p value was ≤0.05. Out of 150 study participants in this study, majority were males, accounting for a percentage score of 64.7% (n=97). Females followed with 35.3% (n=53). With just 27% (n=41) reported to had used post exposure prophylaxis. 3% (n=4) reported to have used PEP more than 6 months before the use PrEP the start of the study. MSM were significantly 1.4 time more likely to take PrEP compared to FSW (p=0.011). Also, respondents within the age range of 21 to 26 years (p=0.002) and 27-32 years (p=0.007) old had 1.03 and 0.05 significantly increased chances of taking PrEP compared to older ages respectively in this study. A majority of 75 (50%) reported that it is 95% effective in the prevention of HIV transmission. 58 respondents (38.7%) reported that PrEP is 100% safe in preventing HIV transmission. This study therefore concludes that the use of Oral PrEP as an HIV/AIDS prevention method has a significant effect on the rate of new HIV/AIDS; it is therefore recommended that More research should be done with respect to the use of the different PrEP method in the prevention of HIV.