Assessing awareness and use of post-exposure prophylaxis among youth to promote equity and inclusion in HIV prevention
1
Department of Public Health, Foundation for Professional Development, johannesburg, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
youth aged 18–24 in south africa are disproportionately affected by HIV. despite the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), awareness and utilisation remain low. understanding barriers to access is essential for promoting equity, inclusion, and sustainable HIV prevention strategies among young people.
METHODS:
a cross-sectional mixed-methods study will be conducted among youth aged 18–24 in windsor east, randburg. structured surveys will quantify awareness and utilisation of PEP. in-depth interviews will explore perceived barriers and facilitators to access. quantitative data will be analysed descriptively, and qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis to identify key patterns and insights.
RESULTS:
preliminary findings indicate that awareness and utilisation of PEP among youth are limited. reported barriers include lack of knowledge, stigma, limited availability, and structural challenges within the health system. these findings highlight critical gaps and opportunities for interventions aimed at improving equitable access to HIV prevention services.
CONCLUSIONS:
addressing barriers to PEP access among youth is critical for advancing equity and inclusion in HIV prevention. this study provides evidence to inform targeted interventions and policies that promote sustainable and inclusive HIV prevention strategies, empowering young people to protect their sexual health.
youth aged 18–24 in south africa are disproportionately affected by HIV. despite the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), awareness and utilisation remain low. understanding barriers to access is essential for promoting equity, inclusion, and sustainable HIV prevention strategies among young people.
METHODS:
a cross-sectional mixed-methods study will be conducted among youth aged 18–24 in windsor east, randburg. structured surveys will quantify awareness and utilisation of PEP. in-depth interviews will explore perceived barriers and facilitators to access. quantitative data will be analysed descriptively, and qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis to identify key patterns and insights.
RESULTS:
preliminary findings indicate that awareness and utilisation of PEP among youth are limited. reported barriers include lack of knowledge, stigma, limited availability, and structural challenges within the health system. these findings highlight critical gaps and opportunities for interventions aimed at improving equitable access to HIV prevention services.
CONCLUSIONS:
addressing barriers to PEP access among youth is critical for advancing equity and inclusion in HIV prevention. this study provides evidence to inform targeted interventions and policies that promote sustainable and inclusive HIV prevention strategies, empowering young people to protect their sexual health.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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