AUTHOR=Hamoonga Twaambo Euphemia , Mutale Wilbroad , Hill Lauren M. , Igumbor Jude , Chi Benjamin H. TITLE=“PrEP protects us”: Behavioural, normative, and control beliefs influencing pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among pregnant and breastfeeding women in Zambia JOURNAL=Frontiers in Reproductive Health VOLUME=5 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/reproductive-health/articles/10.3389/frph.2023.1084657 DOI=10.3389/frph.2023.1084657 ISSN=2673-3153 ABSTRACT=Background

Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women at elevated HIV risk, uptake has been low in Zambia.

Methods

In in-depth interviews, we explored beliefs about PrEP among 24 HIV-negative pregnant and breastfeeding Zambian women. Thematic analysis was used to identify behavioural, normative and control beliefs likely to influence PrEP uptake.

Results

Most women viewed PrEP as a good method of protecting themselves and their babies from HIV infection. Partners were cited as key referents in decision making about PrEP use. Many women felt that PrEP use was not entirely in their control. Most reported that they would not use PrEP if their partners did not approve. Health care providers with negative attitudes, long distance to clinics, and extended waiting times were cited as barriers to PrEP uptake.

Conclusion

HIV-negative pregnant and breastfeeding women had a positive attitude towards PrEP but barriers to uptake are multifaceted.