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High adherence to oral daily PrEP in a real-world implementation project in Kenya: a brief communication

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective biomarkers of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), such as tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS), remain critical for interpreting PrEP adherence. We tested 195 DBS randomly collected from 168 of 4,955 PrEP clients returning for refills at 25 public HIV clinics in Kenya. DBS were extracted using the 50:50 methanol: water method, and drug concentrations quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Optimal adherence was defined as ≥ 900 fmol/punch, corresponding to ≥ 4 doses/week. TFV-DP was detectable in 96% (188/195) of samples; 71% (138/195) had optimal adherence, higher among older clients and men. Optimal adherence is achievable in real-world PrEP programs.

Source: AIDS Research and Therapy

DOI: 10.1186/s12981-026-00875-4

Authors: Ivan Segawa, Linxuan Wu, Josephine Odoyo, Margaret Mwangi, Jennifer F. Morton, Elizabeth Irungu, Kenneth Ngure, Nelly R. Mugo, Elizabeth Bukusi, Kenneth K. Mugwanya

Institutions: Makerere University, University of Washington, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Jhpiego, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990

Funders: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health

Awards: Delivery of integrated PrEP and ART for HIV prevention for couples in Kenya, A differentiated care model to improve the efficiency of PrEP delivery in Kenya, PrEP adherence-concentration thresholds associated with HIV protection among African women, G6910238866

OpenAlex ID: W7140197701

FWCI:

Cites: 16

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