FACTORS AFFECTING ADHERENCE TO PrEP SERVICES AMONG MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN IN NAIROBI KENYA

*Maureen Akolo, Justus Osero, Anthony Kebira, Joshua Kimani, Richard Gichuki and Lawrence Gelmon

ABSTRACT

In May 2017 Kenya rolled out PrEP among key and priority populations and this included Men who have sex with men (MSM) but. An Experimental study with mixed methods of data collection was done among the MSM to check if addressing factors that hinder adherence to PrEP services can improve adherence levels. Two facilities serving MSM were selected purposively, eligible MSM who have been on PrEP for at most a week were selected through simple random sampling and randomized to either arm. Intervention arm received PrEP refills, HIV testing, personalized counseling on importance of adhehering to PrEP services, they were sent short message reminder a day prior to their facility return date, pill count was used with 24 hour self recall on medication taken. Control arm received PrEP government services only which include PrEP refills, HIV testing and self report on adherence to pills. Both arms were followed for 6 months that is at month 1, 3 and 6. 84 study participants enrolled on each arm. Factor affecting MSM adherence on PrEP was assessed at month 1 and 6. Focused group discussions were carried out. Quantitative and qualitative data was analyzed. At month six intervention arm had a significant difference on factors affecting adherence to PrEP services compared to the control arm.

Keywords: Adherence, PrEP, MSM.