PrEP Uptake Among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women at Kapiri Urban Clinic

Abstract

Introduction: HIV globally is a public health challenge especially among P/BFW who are a priority population as they put at risk unborn or breastfeeding babies of HIV. Use of PREP has proven significant. However, little research literature exists which shows the uptake of PrEP among P/BFW in a low resourced country like Zambia. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore factors influencing PrEP uptake among P/BFW at Kapiri Urban Clinic in Kapiri district of the Republic of Zambia.

Methods: The study approach was quantitative, a sample size of 348 participants were selected randomly. A questionnaire was applied to collect data; and STATA version 15 was used for the analysis.

Results: Linear regression results show factors associated to PrEP among the study population were marital status with results suggesting a status closer to marriage reduced PrEP uptake by 0.233, higher level of education of participants reduced PrEP uptake by 0.241 and misinformation on risk Factors for PrEP reduced uptake by 0.229. Higher partner’s education increased PrEP uptake by 0.359.

Conclusion: This study was successful in establishing the factors associated with PrEP among pregnant and breastfeeding women at Kapiri Urban Clinic. These were age, marital status, level of education, partner education and misinformation on risk factors and the cultural factors included perception of being HIV positive, having multiple sexual partners and being an adulterer.