“People have options”: a qualitative study of experiences and influences of PrEP choice among women in South Africa

Publish Year
2025
Publisher
Journal of the International AIDS Society
Description

This article examines how women experience being offered different HIV prevention methods, including oral PrEP and the dapivirine vaginal ring, in real-world healthcare settings. Through focus group discussions, the study found that women generally valued having a choice of prevention options and appreciated supportive counselling, educational materials, and respectful healthcare providers. Factors influencing method selection included convenience, privacy, perceived effectiveness, side effects, social norms, and partner/family opinions. It highlights some of the barriers that women face in accessing prevention, even when multiple options are available, and the importance of person-centered approaches to HIV prevention.