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Research Article | Volume 3 Issue 2 (June, 2026) | Pages 16 - 23
Predictors of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake and Continuity Among Adults at Risk of HIV: A Mixed-Methods Study in Kisumu County, Kenya
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1
Mount Kenya University; School of Public Health, Department of Community Health, Epidemiology & Disease Control, Kisumu, Kenya.
2
Research Care and Training Program, Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya.
3
County Government of Kisumu, Department of Health, Kisumu, Kenya.
Under a Creative Commons license
Open Access
Received
March 26, 2026
Revised
April 6, 2026
Accepted
April 8, 2026
Published
April 14, 2026
Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health challenge in Kenya, particularly in high-burden regions like Kisumu County. While Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective prevention tool, its success is limited by barriers to both initial initiation and long-term retention. This study aimed to identify the socio-demographic, economic, and behavioural predictors of PrEP uptake among naïve individuals and continuity among experienced users. Methods: An analytical mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2024 across four sub-counties in Kisumu. A total of 435 participants (358 PrEP-naïve and 77 PrEP-experienced) were recruited from high-volume health facilities via systematic random sampling. Quantitative data from structured questionnaires were analyzed using STATA 17, while qualitative data from twelve key informant interviews with healthcare providers were analyzed thematically using NVivo 12. Results: Among PrEP-naïve respondents, 88.12% were willing to initiate PrEP. Significant positive predictors of uptake included being a student (OR=3.882, p<0.001), while rural residence (OR=0.432, p=0.005) and primary education (OR=0.511, p=0.018) were significant barriers. Among experienced users, 46.15% had discontinued PrEP. Predictors of continuity included marital status, where never-married individuals had 77% lower odds of staying on PrEP (OR=0.227, p=0.003). Key reasons for discontinuation were low HIV risk perception (61.11%), side effects, and relocation. Conclusion: High initial willingness is undermined by structural and socio-behavioural barriers to continuity. HIV prevention programs should prioritize partner-based support, side-effect management, and flexible delivery models to improve retention in high-burden counties.

Keywords
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
HIV prevention
PrEP uptake
PrEP retention
Continuity of care
HIV/AIDS
Kisumu County
Kenya
Mixed-methods study
HIV risk perception
Public health
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