DREAMS PrEP Choice Study
DREAMS PrEP Choice Study: Exploring Long-Acting HIV Prevention Options for Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Johannesburg.
Study Overview
The DREAMS PrEP Choice Study focuses on examining the acceptability and feasibility of long-acting HIV prevention methods, specifically the PrEP Ring and Injectable Cabotegravir (CAB-LA), for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) participating in the DREAMS initiative in the Johannesburg Health District, South Africa. By expanding access to these innovative PrEP options, the study aims to address high HIV risk in this vulnerable group by reducing dependency on daily oral PrEP regimens. The findings will contribute to a faster, more effective rollout of long-acting PrEP methods in public health programs, addressing delays often experienced when introducing new HIV prevention technologies.
Rationale
Long-acting PrEP options, like the PrEP Ring and CAB-LA, provide an alternative to daily oral PrEP, offering increased flexibility and potentially greater adherence among AGYW. These alternatives are crucial for those at high risk of HIV infection. To support timely integration into public health systems, it’s essential to gather real-world data on their feasibility and acceptability. Building on insights from oral PrEP implementation, this study will explore key questions related to user preferences, service delivery models, and policy considerations.
Target Population
- Adolescent girls and young women at high risk of HIV in Johannesburg Health District
- Community-based delivery sites, including safe spaces and educational institutions
Primary Objectives
- Examine Uptake and Preference: Understand the uptake, preferences, and usage patterns of the PrEP Ring and oral PrEP among AGYW using community-based services.
- Evaluate Coverage and Additional Uptake: Measure the increased PrEP coverage and uptake resulting from offering the PrEP Ring to AGYW.
- Assess Acceptability and Feasibility: Investigate the acceptability and feasibility of community-based PrEP Ring delivery, including tailored counseling and choice-based messaging.
- Identify Policy and Implementation Needs: Gather insights from policy makers and program managers at national, provincial, and district levels regarding the integration of PrEP Ring and CAB-LA into public health programs.
Investigators
- Nicolette Prea Naidoo, Principal Investigator
- Tafadza Mhakakora, Co-investigator
- Prof Saiqa Mullick, Co-investigator
- Lauren Parmley, Co-investigator
Media Coverage
- Spotlight, 04 November 2024: Women in SA could have access to a three-monthly HIV prevention ring by 2026
Latest Update
November 2024
For more details about DREAMS PrEP Choice Study please email rhicomms@wrhi.ac.za
Click here for additional information regarding the study.
