Student experiences of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis : a study at a University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors:   , Chetty Lynette 
Published: November 2022

The human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among young people persists to be a crucial public health issue around the world, with an estimate of 4,500 new HIV infections developing among young adults each year. The youth population in subSaharan Africa has expanded by nearly 100 million over the past three decades and the rate of HIV infection in young women and girls exceeds their male counterparts by three to one. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an innovative HIV preventative blueprint that can decrease new HIV infections when taken consistently. The introduction of HIV PrEP- in the last decade, has been associated with the most significant advancement in the HIV prevention arsenal in the form of a once-everyday combination tablet. South Africa's Department of Education collaborated with the Higher Education and Training HIV/AIDS Programme (HEAIDS), a governmental program with the purpose of developing and supporting HIV awareness programs at higher education institutions. The implementation of PrEP at universities plans to protect students at high risk of HIV acquisition and has been extended to students who are HIV negative, across nine institutions of higher learning in South Africa including those at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). PrEP was initiated in March 2019 at DUT and according to DUT management information services (2019) current data reveals a low usage of PrEP amongst these students. Even though young South African university students (aged 18-29) are among the most vulnerable groups to HIV acquisition, it is unknown about their personal experiences with PrEP - a single dayto-day tablet demonstrated to be more than 90% effective in preventing HIV. Aim The aim of this study is to understand and explore students’ experiences of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at the Durban University of Technology. Significance of this study Campus Health clinics in higher education institutions are in a unique position to implement comprehensive, evidence-based prevention strategies that will promote the well-being of students and decrease the HIV epidemic. Methodology A descriptive, exploratory and qualitative approach was used to explore students’ experiences on PrEP at DUT. Participants who had been on PrEP since 2019 at the DUT Clinic were recruited for this study and a purposive sampling technique was used. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, strict DUT mandatory rules and regulations were followed. Twelve participants, who were already on PrEP management at the campus health clinic since 18 March 2019, were recruited. Results PrEP is becoming an increasingly important component of the HIV prevention toolbox, and it is critical that access to preventive health care is maintained throughout the pandemic. According to our findings, university students were willing to use PrEP due to their risk perception of HIV. There was however a reluctance to disclose use to partners and family. Staff shortages, poor service delivery experience, and the COVID19 pandemic, all had an impact on their use of PrEP. This information will be useful in improving PrEP services provided by university student health clinics. Conclusion: University students supported the willingness to use PrEP due to their risk perception of HIV. Interventions are needed to improve compliance and reduce stigma perceptions. Measures must be taken to ensure that all clinics, including those in outlying areas, stock PrEP, the roll-out of which should be regarded as essential.