Empowering women at risk: exploring the impact of accountability partners and whatsapp groups on PrEP utilization in Soweto, South Africa
Abstract Background Globally, HIV remains a significant concern, particularly for high-risk populations. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as a promising method for HIV prevention, but understanding the factors influencing its uptake and retention is crucial. This study focuses on investig...
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BMC
2025-08-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23122-3 |
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| author | Ndumiso Tshuma Daniel Elakpa Sehlule Moyo Sangiwe Moyo Tshepo M. Ndhlovu Clinton Moyo Takalani Grace Tshitangano Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle |
| author_facet | Ndumiso Tshuma Daniel Elakpa Sehlule Moyo Sangiwe Moyo Tshepo M. Ndhlovu Clinton Moyo Takalani Grace Tshitangano Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle |
| author_sort | Ndumiso Tshuma |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Globally, HIV remains a significant concern, particularly for high-risk populations. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as a promising method for HIV prevention, but understanding the factors influencing its uptake and retention is crucial. This study focuses on investigating how accountability partners and WhatsApp groups influence PrEP use among women at risk in Soweto, South Africa, aiming to empower them in their efforts to prevent HIV transmission. Methodology The study design involved a venue-based intercept survey with data collected from 416 women at risk in Soweto. Utilizing REDCap, data were gathered from locations frequented by women at risk. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression models were employed to assess the influence of accountability partners and social media groups on PrEP uptake and continuation. Results The median age of the participants was 23 years, and factors influencing PrEP initiation and continuation were explored. Multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with both initiation and continuation (p < 0.001) with the likelihood of initiation and continuation being OR: 3.67 and OR: 1.13 respectively. Friends’ influence and the feeling of being at risk played a significant role in both stages (p < 0.001). Participation in WhatsApp groups discussing PrEP and health-related topics was significant for initiation, while general WhatsApp groups were associated with continuation. Partner refusal to use condoms was highly associated with higher reported rates of initiation and continuation of PrEP (OR: 3.67 and 5.93) respectively. Conclusions The study highlights the crucial role of accountability partners and WhatsApp-based social groups in shaping PrEP utilization among high-risk populations. Findings underscore the potential for targeted public health strategies to enhance PrEP awareness, uptake, and continuation, contributing to the prevention of HIV spread in these communities. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-0c035331a6264d18a8360f9463eda1f6 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-08-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-0c035331a6264d18a8360f9463eda1f62025-08-24T11:55:46ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582025-08-0125111110.1186/s12889-025-23122-3Empowering women at risk: exploring the impact of accountability partners and whatsapp groups on PrEP utilization in Soweto, South AfricaNdumiso Tshuma0Daniel Elakpa1Sehlule Moyo2Sangiwe Moyo3Tshepo M. Ndhlovu4Clinton Moyo5Takalani Grace Tshitangano6Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle7The Best Health SolutionsThe Best Health SolutionsThe Best Health SolutionsThe Best Health SolutionsThe Best Health SolutionsThe Best Health SolutionsDepartment of Public Health, University of VendaSchool of Healthcare Sciences, Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences UniversityAbstract Background Globally, HIV remains a significant concern, particularly for high-risk populations. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) has emerged as a promising method for HIV prevention, but understanding the factors influencing its uptake and retention is crucial. This study focuses on investigating how accountability partners and WhatsApp groups influence PrEP use among women at risk in Soweto, South Africa, aiming to empower them in their efforts to prevent HIV transmission. Methodology The study design involved a venue-based intercept survey with data collected from 416 women at risk in Soweto. Utilizing REDCap, data were gathered from locations frequented by women at risk. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression models were employed to assess the influence of accountability partners and social media groups on PrEP uptake and continuation. Results The median age of the participants was 23 years, and factors influencing PrEP initiation and continuation were explored. Multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with both initiation and continuation (p < 0.001) with the likelihood of initiation and continuation being OR: 3.67 and OR: 1.13 respectively. Friends’ influence and the feeling of being at risk played a significant role in both stages (p < 0.001). Participation in WhatsApp groups discussing PrEP and health-related topics was significant for initiation, while general WhatsApp groups were associated with continuation. Partner refusal to use condoms was highly associated with higher reported rates of initiation and continuation of PrEP (OR: 3.67 and 5.93) respectively. Conclusions The study highlights the crucial role of accountability partners and WhatsApp-based social groups in shaping PrEP utilization among high-risk populations. Findings underscore the potential for targeted public health strategies to enhance PrEP awareness, uptake, and continuation, contributing to the prevention of HIV spread in these communities.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23122-3PrEPWhatsApp groupsUptakesContinuationSouth Africa |
| spellingShingle | Ndumiso Tshuma Daniel Elakpa Sehlule Moyo Sangiwe Moyo Tshepo M. Ndhlovu Clinton Moyo Takalani Grace Tshitangano Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle Empowering women at risk: exploring the impact of accountability partners and whatsapp groups on PrEP utilization in Soweto, South Africa BMC Public Health PrEP WhatsApp groups Uptakes Continuation South Africa |
| title | Empowering women at risk: exploring the impact of accountability partners and whatsapp groups on PrEP utilization in Soweto, South Africa |
| title_full | Empowering women at risk: exploring the impact of accountability partners and whatsapp groups on PrEP utilization in Soweto, South Africa |
| title_fullStr | Empowering women at risk: exploring the impact of accountability partners and whatsapp groups on PrEP utilization in Soweto, South Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Empowering women at risk: exploring the impact of accountability partners and whatsapp groups on PrEP utilization in Soweto, South Africa |
| title_short | Empowering women at risk: exploring the impact of accountability partners and whatsapp groups on PrEP utilization in Soweto, South Africa |
| title_sort | empowering women at risk exploring the impact of accountability partners and whatsapp groups on prep utilization in soweto south africa |
| topic | PrEP WhatsApp groups Uptakes Continuation South Africa |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23122-3 |
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