Mapping Evidence on Strategies Used That Encourage Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake and Adherence Amongst Female Sex Workers in South Africa
Female sex workers (FSWs) in South Africa have a high HIV prevalence. To reduce the rate of new infections, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was introduced to FSWs; however, studies show that FSWs’ uptake and adherence to PrEP has been inconsistent. This study explored existing evidence related to st...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Sexes |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5118/6/1/2 |
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| author | Nosipho Faith Makhakhe Gift Khumalo |
| author_facet | Nosipho Faith Makhakhe Gift Khumalo |
| author_sort | Nosipho Faith Makhakhe |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Female sex workers (FSWs) in South Africa have a high HIV prevalence. To reduce the rate of new infections, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was introduced to FSWs; however, studies show that FSWs’ uptake and adherence to PrEP has been inconsistent. This study explored existing evidence related to strategies used to encourage PrEP uptake and adherence. Utilizing the scoping review framework, seven peer-reviewed articles were analyzed thematically. The themes were (1) PrEP promotion and distribution, (2) PrEP counselling and using educational resources, and (3) using instant messaging and rewards programs. The suggestions from the literature include a generalized PrEP promotion and distribution approach not aimed towards high-risk groups to avoid stigma. PrEP pick-up points should include sex work-friendly healthcare facilities as well as community-based venues. PrEP counselling should be conducted prior to PrEP administration to prepare users on how to deal with side effects. Information, education, and communication materials should be colorful and consist of catchy phrases targeted to the whole population. Instant messaging has been found to be effective in encouraging adherence. FSWs should be instrumental in informing intervention best practices. Future interventions aimed at FSWs should focus on holistic wellness that incorporates the psychosocial aspects of HIV prevention. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9281b75e411543e5a14615d7e6f878c6 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2411-5118 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Sexes |
| spelling | doaj-art-9281b75e411543e5a14615d7e6f878c62025-08-20T01:49:03ZengMDPI AGSexes2411-51182025-01-0161210.3390/sexes6010002Mapping Evidence on Strategies Used That Encourage Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake and Adherence Amongst Female Sex Workers in South AfricaNosipho Faith Makhakhe0Gift Khumalo1Centre for General Education, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South AfricaCentre for General Education, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4001, South AfricaFemale sex workers (FSWs) in South Africa have a high HIV prevalence. To reduce the rate of new infections, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was introduced to FSWs; however, studies show that FSWs’ uptake and adherence to PrEP has been inconsistent. This study explored existing evidence related to strategies used to encourage PrEP uptake and adherence. Utilizing the scoping review framework, seven peer-reviewed articles were analyzed thematically. The themes were (1) PrEP promotion and distribution, (2) PrEP counselling and using educational resources, and (3) using instant messaging and rewards programs. The suggestions from the literature include a generalized PrEP promotion and distribution approach not aimed towards high-risk groups to avoid stigma. PrEP pick-up points should include sex work-friendly healthcare facilities as well as community-based venues. PrEP counselling should be conducted prior to PrEP administration to prepare users on how to deal with side effects. Information, education, and communication materials should be colorful and consist of catchy phrases targeted to the whole population. Instant messaging has been found to be effective in encouraging adherence. FSWs should be instrumental in informing intervention best practices. Future interventions aimed at FSWs should focus on holistic wellness that incorporates the psychosocial aspects of HIV prevention.https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5118/6/1/2female sex workersPrEPadherenceuptakestrategiesSouth Africa |
| spellingShingle | Nosipho Faith Makhakhe Gift Khumalo Mapping Evidence on Strategies Used That Encourage Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake and Adherence Amongst Female Sex Workers in South Africa Sexes female sex workers PrEP adherence uptake strategies South Africa |
| title | Mapping Evidence on Strategies Used That Encourage Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake and Adherence Amongst Female Sex Workers in South Africa |
| title_full | Mapping Evidence on Strategies Used That Encourage Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake and Adherence Amongst Female Sex Workers in South Africa |
| title_fullStr | Mapping Evidence on Strategies Used That Encourage Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake and Adherence Amongst Female Sex Workers in South Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Mapping Evidence on Strategies Used That Encourage Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake and Adherence Amongst Female Sex Workers in South Africa |
| title_short | Mapping Evidence on Strategies Used That Encourage Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake and Adherence Amongst Female Sex Workers in South Africa |
| title_sort | mapping evidence on strategies used that encourage pre exposure prophylaxis prep uptake and adherence amongst female sex workers in south africa |
| topic | female sex workers PrEP adherence uptake strategies South Africa |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5118/6/1/2 |
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