Knowledge, perceived availability, and acceptability of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis among Key Populations in Delta State, Nigeria

Nja GME; Okehie LC; Uzomba AE; Etim JJ; Nja ME

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i3.1203

Authors

Nja GME Health Services Management and Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3103-4663
Okehie LC Health Services Management and Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9761-6927
Uzomba AE Health Services Management and Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1303-4667
Etim JJ Health Services Management and Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4607-086X
Nja ME Department of Statistics, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2571-0909

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i3.1203

Keywords:

HIV, Key Populations, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, Acceptability, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Context: HIV remains a major public health challenge among key populations (KPs) in Nigeria, despite substantial advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment interventions. HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) efficacy depends heavily on its acceptability among high-risk groups.

Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, availability, and acceptability of PrEP and examined factors associated with its acceptability among KPs in Delta State, Nigeria.

Study design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 602 KPs, aged 18-41 years, including female sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and transgender persons, recruited from mapped hotspots through purposive sampling and peer referral. Data collected via structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p < 0.05). PrEP acceptability was defined as the willingness to initiate PrEP and to recommend it to peers.

Results: PrEP acceptability was high (77.9%), and 79.5% of respondents were willing to recommend it to peers. Awareness of PrEP services (85.9%) and perceived availability (78.1%) were also high. Although 81.9% could recognize PrEP, only 29.9% correctly identified it as an HIV prevention method for HIV-negative individuals, and 46.0% demonstrated good knowledge. PrEP acceptability was significantly associated with respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and level of PrEP knowledge (p = 0.001). Information source, service outlets, local availability, affordability, and access to healthcare providers were significantly associated with acceptability (p < 0.05), whereas overall perceived availability and consistency of PrEP supply were not ( p = 0.105).

Conclusion: Despite high awareness and availability, substantial
knowledge gaps persist among KPs. Strengthening PrEP education and improving access to KP-friendly services are critical to enhancing acceptability and HIV prevention in Nigeria.