Pre-exposure prophylaxis in Guyana: linking key populations and other vulnerable groups

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• HIV Prevention
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy.
• Uptake of PrEP remains low among key and vulnerable populations in Guyana.
• Understanding awareness, uptake, and barriers is crucial for improving PrEP accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess awareness, uptake, and barriers to PrEP among seronegative individuals in Guyana.
• To identify strategies for enhancing PrEP accessibility and utilization.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional, mixed-method study involving 90 seronegative adults in Guyana.
• Quantitative data collected via questionnaires; qualitative data from interviews and focus groups.
• Statistical (chi-square) and thematic analyses were employed.

Main Results:

• 59% of participants were aware of PrEP, mainly via media; only 18% were offered it by a provider.
• Key barriers included limited access (48%), fear of side effects (27%), and poor provider engagement.
• Despite low uptake, 57% expressed willingness to use PrEP and 74% would recommend it.

Conclusions:

• Moderate PrEP awareness in Guyana is hindered by systemic barriers, misinformation, and healthcare inaccessibility.
• Strengthening provider training and integrating PrEP into routine services are essential.
• Community outreach initiatives are vital to improve PrEP uptake among vulnerable groups.