Exploring HIV risk perception mechanisms among youth in a test-and-treat trial in Kenya and Uganda

Dados Bibliográficos

ID19590656
AutoresLawrence Owino (0000-0002-3817-4386, Kenya Medical Research Institute, autor correspondente), Jason Johnson-Peretz (0000-0001-9561-6366, University of California, San Francisco, autor correspondente), Joi Lee (University of California, San Francisco, autor correspondente), Monica Getahun (0000-0002-2116-2637, University of California, San Francisco, autor correspondente), Dana Coppock-Pector (University of California, San Francisco, autor correspondente), Irene Maeri (Kenya Medical Research Institute, autor correspondente), Anjeline Onyango (0009-0006-6651-1593, Kenya Medical Research Institute, autor correspondente), Craig R Cohen (0000-0001-8654-6634, University of California, San Francisco, autor correspondente), Elizabeth A Bukusi (0000-0002-2031-2808, Kenya Medical Research Institute, autor correspondente), Jane Kabami (0000-0002-0265-3174, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, autor correspondente), James Ayieko (0000-0002-0324-4006, Kenya Medical Research Institute, autor correspondente), Maya L Petersen (0000-0002-5505-153X, University of California, Berkeley, autor correspondente), Moses R Kamya (0000-0001-9106-4234, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, autor correspondente), Edwin D Charlebois (0000-0001-7237-2119, University of California, San Francisco, autor correspondente), Edwin Charlebois, Diane V Havlir (0000-0003-0761-3136, University of California, San Francisco, autor correspondente), Diane Havlir, Carol S Camlin (0000-0001-5615-1164, University of California, San Francisco, autor correspondente)
EditoresMarie A Brault (0000-0002-7152-785X)
Ano2024
Volume4
Fascículo5
Páginase0002922
Data de publicação2024-05-02
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoPLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375
EditoraPublic Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1371/journal.pgph.0002922
PMID38696376
OpenAlexW4396574942
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas46

Understanding risk perception and risk-taking among youth can inform targeted prevention efforts. Using a health beliefs model-informed framework, we analysed 8 semi-structured, gender-specific focus group discussions with 93 youth 15–24 years old (48% male, 52% female), drawn from the SEARCH trial in rural Kenya and Uganda in 2017–2018, coinciding with the widespread introduction of PrEP. Highly connected social networks and widespread uptake of antiretrovirals shaped youth HIV risk perception. Amid conflicting information about HIV prevention methods, youth felt exposed to multiple HIV risk factors like the high prevalence of HIV, belief that people with HIV(PWH) purposefully infect others, dislike of condoms, and doubts about PrEP efficacy. Young women also reported minimal sexual autonomy in the context of economic disadvantages, the ubiquity of intergenerational and transactional sex, and peer pressure from other women to have many boyfriends. Young men likewise reported vulnerability to intergenerational sex, but also adopted a sexual conquest mentality. Comprehensive sexuality education and economic empowerment, through credible and trusted sources, may moderate risk-taking. Messaging should leverage youth’s social networks to spread fact-based, gender- and age-appropriate information. PrEP should be offered alongside other reproductive health services to address both pregnancy concerns and reduce HIV risk

Biology · Developmental psychology · Environmental health · Family medicine · Perception · Risk perception · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Psychology · Ecology