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Preexposure Prophylaxis Acceptability Among Pregnant Individuals and Implications for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Preexposure Prophylaxis Acceptability Among Pregnant Individuals and Implications for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention

Allison K Groves, Jessica Vadaketh, Valerie T Raziano, Hervette Nkwihoreze, William R Short and Florence Momplaisir
Obstetrics and gynecology (New York. 1953), v 139(4), pp 537-544
01 Apr 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000004709
PMID: 35271549
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9627543View
Accepted (AM)Open Access (License Unspecified),  Open

Abstract

OBJECTIVETo understand perspectives on and preferences for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for pregnant individuals who are at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. METHODSIn this qualitative study, we purposively sampled and conducted in-depth interviews with pregnant participants at risk of HIV infection (indicated by a recent sexually transmitted infection [STI]) from a U.S. urban obstetrics clinic. Interview questions focused on perceived HIV risk, knowledge and perceptions of PrEP, and preferences for different PrEP formulations. We coded data using deductive and inductive codes, created matrices to explore patterns in findings, and wrote memos to interpret emergent themes. RESULTSTwenty patients were enrolled. Median age of the participants was 24 years (interquartile range 19-26 years), 95.0% were African American, 65.0% were high school graduates, and 70.0% had unplanned pregnancies. Participants had low knowledge of PrEP and most saw themselves at low to no risk of HIV acquisition, despite their recent STI. Further, participants' low HIV risk perception and medication safety concerns reduced PrEP acceptability. Moreover, very few had discussed PrEP with their obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) during antenatal care, which further affected perceived acceptability. However, participants who did discuss PrEP with their ob-gyns had favorable perceptions of it. These participants indicated that they would choose a formulation based on individual preferences, which were largely shaped by perceived ease of use, acceptability, and prior experience with other medication regimens. CONCLUSIONObstetrician-gynecologists may play an important role in increasing pregnant individuals' knowledge of and access to PrEP during pregnancy among those who are at risk of HIV acquisition. To maximize uptake and adherence during this time, PrEP formulations should be tailored to individual preferences. Prevention of HIV during this critical life transition is important not only for the long-term health and well-being of pregnant individuals and their infants, but to the plan to end the HIV epidemic in the United States by 2030.

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8 citations in Web of Science
6 citations in Scopus

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Obstetrics & Gynecology
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