Healthcare provider recommendations to improve post-violence care HIV post-exposure prophylaxis access and adherence...

In Mozambique, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV is offered as part of the essential package of post-violence care services at 1450 health facilities. However, HIV PEP access and adherence continue to be a challenge. Healthcare providers were interviewed to identify and synthesize their recommendations for improving PEP access and adherence.

We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 adolescent and adult healthcare providers (3 men and 17 women) who had a range of 2-15 years of experience from 20 health facilities across seven provinces during March-August 2023. Data were analysed using inductive and theoretical thematic analysis. We analysed how frequently health providers mentioned specific recommendations.

Regarding PEP access, healthcare providers recommended community education as the most effective strategy (10 mentions). In particular, providers cited the importance of palestras [community health talks]. Providers also commonly highlighted the need to have PEP kits prepared (7 mentions) and PEP readily available at health facilities (6 mentions). Regarding PEP adherence, providers recommended client counselling/education (13 mentions) to ensure clients understand the importance of taking PEP, how to properly take PEP and the potential side effects, which can often deter clients from adhering. Additionally, providers highlighted chamadas preventivas [follow-up telephone calls] within 2 weeks or so after the initial visit (9 mentions) as the best means to ensure clients complete the full, 28-day regimen and return for retesting after 3 months. Healthcare providers explained that follow-up telephone calls, despite the client living far from the health facility, can create a bond that supports clients. Providers recommended the institutionalization of follow-up telephone calls for consistent implementation in all healthcare facilities that offer PEP.

Interviewed healthcare providers offered valuable insights and recommendations to improve PEP access and adherence, which could be considered for implementation in Mozambique and other sub-Saharan African countries.