Perspectives of Primary Healthcare Workers on HIV Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): A Scoping Review...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• HIV Prevention
• Pharmacology

Background:

• South Africa faces high HIV prevalence, requiring new prevention methods like injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
• Long-acting injectable PrEP (e.g., cabotegravir) presents an alternative to daily oral options.
• Understanding primary healthcare workers' (PHCWs) views is crucial for successful injectable PrEP implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and map existing literature on PHCWs' knowledge, perceptions, and experiences with injectable PrEP in South Africa.
• To identify barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of injectable PrEP by PHCWs.
• To inform the development of effective strategies for rolling out injectable PrEP.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley framework, enhanced by Levac et al.
• PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines.
• Comprehensive literature search across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Google Scholar).
• Thematic synthesis of data from included studies, appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

Main Results:

• This review synthesizes the limited but crucial data on PHCWs' perspectives on injectable PrEP.
• Identifies key themes regarding knowledge gaps, perceived benefits, and challenges in implementing injectable PrEP.
• Highlights the need for tailored training and support for PHCWs.

Conclusions:

• PHCW perspectives are vital for successful injectable PrEP integration into HIV prevention strategies.
• Addressing identified barriers and leveraging facilitators can optimize PrEP rollout.
• Findings will guide policy and practice for effective HIV prevention in South Africa.