AN EVALUATION OF KENYA NATIONAL PrEP COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN ‘JIPENDE JIPrEP’ ON THE USE OF PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PrEP) AMONG YOUNG WOMEN IN EMBAKASI, NAIROBI – KENYA

ABSTRACT
This study sought to evaluate the Kenya national Human Immunodeficiency virus prevention communication campaign on the use of Pre-exposure prophylaxis as an prevention from human immunodeficiency virus intervention by young women in Nairobi. The general objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of the Kenya National prevention public awareness campaign on the usage of pre-exposure prophylaxis among young women aged 18-24 years in Embakasi, Nairobi. The specific objectives were to: assess the awareness levels of pre-exposure prophylaxis among young women aged 18-24; investigate the usage patterns of pre-exposure prophylaxis among young women aged 18-24; and examine the role of public awareness campaign in promoting uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis by young women aged 18-24. The study used the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Health Belief Model as the underpinning theoretical constructs. Both qualitative and quantitative research designs were used. The study population was women aged 18-24 years. The study employed simple random sampling technique to select 50 respondents to fill out close-ended questionnaires. Focus Group Discussions were conducted with 27 young women aged 18-24 years selected using purposive sampling technique. Surveys, in-depth key informant interviews, and Focus Group Discussions were the main data collection methods. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in form of tables, charts and graphs. Thematic data analysis method was used to analyse the ensuing qualitative data which were presented in descriptive narratives. The study found that majority of young women in Nairobi were aware of pre-exposure prophylaxis. However, they were not using it to prevent infection from human immunodeficiency virus which shows a knowledge behaviour disparity. The study also found that structural and communication barriers exist that negatively affect access and utilisation of pre-exposure prophylaxis among young women. This study recommends reframing of pre-exposure prophylaxis messages towards presenting it more as a lifestyle choice and less as a biomedical tool. The study also recommends that young women aged 18 – 24 be involved in designing public awareness campaigns on pre-exposure prophylaxis for women.