Effect of Comprehensive HIV Prevention Information Package on Uptake of HIV Services Among Youth In Kenya: A Non- randomized Trial

HIV remains the most significant public health and development challenge in the world. Youth in sub-Saharan Africa are primarily affected by the HIV epidemic. Despite the availability of HIV prevention options, new infections among youth in Kenya only reduced by 56% between 2015 and 2021. Various HIV prevention interventions have been implemented among youth with little or no assessment of their effects on risky sexual behavior. The objective of the study was to investigate effect of comprehensive HIV prevention information package on uptake of HIV prevention services among youth in Kenya. A non-randomized control trial was conducted with Kakamega and Kericho as intervention and Comparison County respectively. The pretest questionnaire was administered in December 2021. The posttest questionnaire was administered after nine months of providing HIV prevention information package. Quantitative data was analyzed using chi square and t-test. Qualitative data was transcribed and analyzed thematically. The youth significantly utilized HIV prevention services (83.6%) and information on, abstinence, consistent and correct condom use (t = 12.248, df=2, p = 0.0001). The intervention significantly increased utilization of HIV testing services from 60.1% to 83.0% (t = 6.547, df = 2, p = 0.023). There was a significant difference in number of youths in Kakamega than Kericho who plan to use condoms in future (χ² = 100.236, P = 0.0001). The comprehensive HIV prevention information package increased uptake of HIV services. The findings will inform national rollout of the intervention to contribute to safer sexual behaviors among youth.