Date of Award

1-1-2019

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Trace Kershaw

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been associated with HIV susceptibility and

acquisition. Studies have found that women who had experienced IPV were at least three times more likely to have a diagnosis of HIV. Women are interested in taking PrEP, however barriers to uptake, adherence, and persistence are not widely known, and present knowledge excludes experiences of healthcare providers and IPV service providers. In this qualitative study, we examined the perceived facilitators and possible solutions to PrEP uptake, adherence, and persistence. This was done using a sample of women experiencing IPV, Reproductive Health Providers, PrEP Providers, and IPV service providers. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 women experiencing IPV, 5 Reproductive Health providers, 3 PrEP providers, and 7 IPV service providers. Women were recruited from a previous prospective cohort study, and healthcare and IPV providers were recruited from previous samples and contact lists. The qualitative data was analyzed in Dedoose using the framework method. Results: Findings suggest that lack of knowledge of both patients and providers is a key barrier to PrEP uptake. Women were concerned about logistical factors, such as cost, insurance coverage, adherence, and side effects, along with having competing priorities. Providers were concerned that a woman’s safety was at risk, and wanted to ensure that women would have tools to help conceal PrEP use from partners. Conclusions: Expanding awareness and education for PrEP is necessary for both patients and providers. Marketing campaigns for PrEP should include women. Future research should continue to examine alternative delivery methods for PrEP, in order to combat barriers of adherence and concealment. Research should also look into how providers can best work with each other in order to ensure that care and proper treatment can be provided to a woman’s entire health profile.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

Open Access

This Article is Open Access

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