Utilization of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Among HIV Discordant Couples in Four Mongu Urban Health Facilities - Zambia

Purpose: The study was conducted to establish the rate of utilization of PrEP among discordant couples and factors associated with utilization. Findings from the study will assist policy makers to understand what measures to put in place in order to improve the utilization rate of PrEP among discordant couples in the district. Methodology: A cross section analytical study design was used. A sample of 68 respondents were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The four health facilities were purposively selected while convenience sampling was utilized to select respondents. SPSS software version 16 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to calculate frequencies and percentages presented in tables and figures. To compute associations between the dependent and independent variables, Spearman's Correlation Coefficient, Chi-Square Test and Fisher’s exact test were used. All these were gauged at 95% confidence intervals (CI) with the p= value of 0.05. Findings: Results of the study showed that the majority respondents (66%) n=45 were utilizing the service while (34%) n=23 were not. Spearman’s correlation test result showed that it was only occupation which was positive and statistically significant at (rs =.284, p=.019). The study has established that the casual workers, self-employed and those not working are more unlikely to use PrEP. However, knowledge level was at (rs=566, p=.071), waiting time was (rs=.021, p=0.565) clients waited for >30 minutes. Education level attained was positive but not significant (rs.071, p=.654). The higher the knowledge level and higher education attained are more likely to use PrEP Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study is also importance as it will add value to the body of existing literature on the utilization of PrEP among discordant couples. Policy makers in Western province and Mongu district will be able to make sound policies on HIV prevention by using the findings from this study.