(Q30864)
Statements
Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-1 infection is over 99% effective in protecting against HIV acquisition when used consistently and appropriately. (English)
INTRODUCTION (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
However, PrEP uptake and persistent use remains suboptimal, with a substantial gap in utilization among key populations who could most benefit from PrEP. (English)
INTRODUCTION (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
In Latin America specifically, there is poor understanding of barriers to PrEP uptake and persistence among transgender (trans) women. (English)
INTRODUCTION (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
In April-May 2018, we conducted qualitative interviews lasting 25-45 min as part of an end-of-project evaluation of TransPrEP, a pilot RCT that examined the impact of a social network-based peer support intervention on PrEP adherence among trans women in Lima, Peru. (English)
METHODS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Participants in the qualitative evaluation, all adult trans women, included individuals who either (1) screened eligible to participate in the TransPrEP pilot, but opted not to enroll (n = 8), (2) enrolled, but later withdrew (n = 6), (3) were still actively enrolled at the time of interview and/or successfully completed the study (n = 16), or (4) were study staff (n = 4). (English)
METHODS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. (English)
METHODS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Codebook development followed an immersion/crystallization approach, and coding was completed using Dedoose. (English)
METHODS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Evaluation participants had a mean age of 28.2 years (range 19-47). (English)
RESULTS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
When describing experiences taking PrEP, participant narratives highlighted side effects that spanned three domains: physical side effects, such as prolonged symptoms of gastrointestinal distress or somnolence; economic challenges, including lost income due to inability to work; and social concerns, including interpersonal conflicts due to HIV-related stigma. (English)
RESULTS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Participants described PrEP use within a broader context of social and economic marginalization, with a focus on daily survival, and how PrEP side effects negatively contributed to these stressors. (English)
RESULTS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Persistence was, in some cases, supported through the intervention's educational workshops. (English)
RESULTS (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
This research highlights the ways that physical, economic, and social side effects of PrEP can impact acceptability and persistence among trans women in Peru, amplifying and layering onto existing stressors including economic precarity. (English)
CONCLUSION (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Understanding the unique experiences of trans women taking PrEP is crucial to informing tailored interventions to improve uptake and persistence. (English)
CONCLUSION (English)
© 2024. The Author(s). (English)
2024
Sarah (English)
Naz-McLean (English)
S
Jesse (English)
Clark (English)
J
Leyla (English)
Huerta (English)
L
Kenneth H (English)
Mayer (English)
KH
Javier R (English)
Lama (English)
JR
Sari (English)
Reisner (English)
S
Amaya (English)
Perez-Brumer (English)
A