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Barriers and facilitators to HIV prevention services among key populations in Biakoye District, Ghana

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Key populations such as sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), women who have sex with women (WSW), and people who inject drugs (PWID) bear a disproportionately high burden of HIV infection. Despite the availability of HIV prevention services in Ghana, access and utilization remain limited, particularly in rural settings. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2025 among 43 key population members in the Biakoye District of Ghana. Participants were recruited using snowball sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with HIV prevention service utilization. Results The mean age of participants was 25.2 years (SD = 4.9). Most participants were female (65.1%) and sex workers (72.1%). Although 93.0% had heard of HIV prevention methods, only 62.8% had ever used prevention services. Common barriers included lack of awareness (48.8%), fear of stigma or discrimination (48.8%), long waiting times (36.1%), transportation challenges (29.5%), and concerns about confidentiality (34.9%). In the adjusted analysis, participants with secondary or tertiary education were more likely to utilize HIV prevention services compared to those with no formal or primary education (aOR = 3.84, 95% CI: 1.02–14.5, p = 0.046). Similarly, knowledge of where to access HIV prevention services was significantly associated with utilization (aOR = 4.96, 95% CI: 1.21–20.3, p = 0.026). Conclusion Despite high awareness of HIV prevention methods, utilization remains suboptimal among key populations in Biakoye District due to persistent structural and social barriers. Improving access to services, enhancing community-based interventions, and reducing stigma are critical to increasing uptake of HIV prevention services in rural settings.

Source: Discover Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12982-026-02728-x

Authors: Eyram Kuma Hanu, Rita Ama Narlyn Wurapa, Martin Tettey, Mavis Pearl Kwabla

Institution: University of Health and Allied Sciences

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4417121836