Study on Womens Choices and Use of Injectable and Oral PrEP in Blantyre, Malawi

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying HIV prevention among women in Blantyre, Malawi, focusing on choices and preferences between long-acting injectable PrEP and oral PrEP. The study aims to understand the impact of rolling out injectable PrEP alongside oral PrEP by tracing women who have stopped or lost contact with PrEP services within the past two years. It also seeks to explore reasons for discontinuation, user experiences, and preferences for re-engagement. Participants include women who have missed their PrEP visits by three months or more and whose outcomes are unknown. The study involves two groups one receiving standard care per national guidelines with counseling and follow-up messages, and another receiving standard care plus a tracing strategy to determine their PrEP status. The tracing strategy includes phone calls and, with consent, in-person home visits to reconnect participants with care. Women traced will complete surveys assessing their HIV outcomes and preferences, and a subset will participate in interviews alongside healthcare providers to better understand PrEP use and discontinuation. Researchers will measure the number of women who return to PrEP after tracing and assess drug levels through dried blood samples. The study lasts about two years and aims to inform better strategies for maintaining PrEP use and preventing HIV among women in Malawi.

BetterInfo on Women's PrEP Choices and Outcomes in Malawi