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

Bibliographic Data

ID19590656
AuthorsLawrence Owino (0000-0002-3817-4386, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Jason Johnson-Peretz (0000-0001-9561-6366, University of California, San Francisco, corresponding author), Joi Lee (University of California, San Francisco, corresponding author), Monica Getahun (0000-0002-2116-2637, University of California, San Francisco, corresponding author), Dana Coppock-Pector (University of California, San Francisco, corresponding author), Irene Maeri (Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Anjeline Onyango (0009-0006-6651-1593, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Craig R Cohen (0000-0001-8654-6634, University of California, San Francisco, corresponding author), Elizabeth A Bukusi (0000-0002-2031-2808, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Jane Kabami (0000-0002-0265-3174, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, corresponding author), James Ayieko (0000-0002-0324-4006, Kenya Medical Research Institute, corresponding author), Maya L Petersen (0000-0002-5505-153X, University of California, Berkeley, corresponding author), Moses R Kamya (0000-0001-9106-4234, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, corresponding author), Edwin D Charlebois (0000-0001-7237-2119, University of California, San Francisco, corresponding author), Edwin Charlebois, Diane V Havlir (0000-0003-0761-3136, University of California, San Francisco, corresponding author), Diane Havlir, Carol S Camlin (0000-0001-5615-1164, University of California, San Francisco, corresponding author)
EditorsMarie A Brault (0000-0002-7152-785X)
Year2024
Volume4
Issue5
Pagese0002922
Publication date2024-05-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1371/journal.pgph.0002922
PMID38696376
OpenAlexW4396574942
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited46

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