Prevalence of awareness and factors associated with acceptability of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis among female University Students aged 18 to 24 years in Rwanda
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose: HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a key prevention tool for people at substantial risk of HIV like young women (YW). This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with PrEP acceptability among YW in Rwanda. Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional study that gathered quantitative information from 455 YW students in selected universities in Rwanda. A structured questionnaire was used to collect participants’ information about their socio-demography, along with PrEP awareness and acceptability. The data were analyzed using STATA 17 descriptively and a logistic regression model was built to determine factors associated with the PrEP acceptability. Findings: Of the participants, 87.5% had heard of PrEP, and 87.9% expressed willingness to use it when advised by a healthcare provider. Students unaware of PrEP were significantly more likely to accept it [aOR: 13.8], while those informed about both pill and injectable forms had higher acceptability [aOR: 15.8–20.4]. Students reporting no barriers and those likely to recommend PrEP were also more accepting [aOR: 4.5 and 153, respectively]. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study highlights high awareness and acceptability, though concerns about oral PrEP's pill burden persist. Enhancing education to counter myths and expanding access to injectable PrEP could improve uptake among YW in Rwanda.
DOI: 10.47941/ijhs.3334
Authors: Clarisse Murebwayire, Zephanie Nzeyimana, Amanuel Kidane
Institutions: Rwanda Biomedical Center, Mount Kigali University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416319124