Longitudinal Patterns of Adherence to Oral HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among At-Risk Women in Tanga, Tanzania

A Convergent Analysis of Influencing Factors and Optimization Strategies

Datos Bibliográficos

ID19469762
AutoresWigilya P Mikomangwa (0000-0002-6385-878X, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, autor de correspondencia), Emmy Metta (0000-0002-4980-6094, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Kåre Moen (0000-0002-4537-9654, University of Oslo), Elia John Mmbaga (0000-0003-3768-0225, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Melkizedeck Leshabari (0000-0003-4789-4251, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Melkizedeck Thomas Leshabari, Stephen Matthew Kibusi (The University of Dodoma), Christopher H Mbotwa (0000-0003-2153-8646, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Christopher R Sudfeld (0000-0002-3203-3638, Harvard Global Health Institute), Muhammad Bakari (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Appolinary Kamuhabwa (0000-0001-6895-9187, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences), Appolinary A R Kamuhabwa, G Kwesigabo (0000-0003-3302-6736, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences)
Año2026
Fecha de publicación2026-06-05
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaAIDS and Behavior (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1090-7165 • E-ISSN: 1573-3254
EditorialSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s10461-026-05187-2
PMID42247069
OpenAlexW7163715144
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas34

There is scarcity of evidence on the changes over time of adherence to oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among female sex workers. Therefore, we assessed the changes of adherence to PrEP over 12 months and influencing factors for suboptimal adherence and explored strategies to optimize adherence to oral PrEP among female sex workers in Tanzania. Convergence analysis was conducted involving 313 respondent driven sampled participants in the city of Tanga. Adherence was assessed at months 1, 6, and 12. In month 12 we conducted 26 in-depth interviews in parallel with quantitative interviews. A modified Poisson regression and thematic analysis was conducted for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The prevalence of suboptimal adherence at month 1 was 19.5% (95% CI 14.1–26.3), with a significant increase to 91.8% (95% CI 87–94.9) at month 6 and 94.7% (95% CI 90.3–97.1) at month 12. Sub-optimal adherence was influenced by: Medical and medication related barriers, mobility and travel, limited access and availability of PrEP pills, lifestyle-related factors, inadequate PrEP knowledge and low perceived benefits of PrEP, non-disclosure PrEP use and, low perceived HIV risk. Participants recommended modifying PrEP dosing, introducing multiple dosing options at the PrEP care clinic, enhancing counselling sessions, and ensuring continuous availability of PrEP pills. The prevalence of suboptimal PrEP adherence is high among female sex workers in Tanzania. The study underscores the need for implementation research on the introduction of multiple dosing modalities, coupled with improved availability and accessible PrEP services and tailored counselling programs

Dosing · Health psychology · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) · Men who have sex with men · Poisson regression · Pre-exposure prophylaxis · Public health · Respondent · Thematic analysis · HIV/AIDS oral health manifestations · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Sex work and related issues