Brief Communication: Factors associated with willingness to use long-acting injectable Cabotegravir for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among female undergraduate students at a Ugandan university

Abstract Background We assessed the willingness of female students at a Ugandan public university to use long-acting Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for HIV prevention, given their high prevalence of HIV risk behaviours. Methods Using an online questionnaire, this cross-sectional study surveyed 346 female und...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bridget Atuhaire, Laban Muteebwa, Racheal Nabunya, Richard Muhindo, Tom Denis Ngabirano, Charles Peter Osingada, Patience A. Muwanguzi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-12-01
Series:AIDS Research and Therapy
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12981-024-00686-5
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Summary:Abstract Background We assessed the willingness of female students at a Ugandan public university to use long-acting Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for HIV prevention, given their high prevalence of HIV risk behaviours. Methods Using an online questionnaire, this cross-sectional study surveyed 346 female undergraduate students aged 18–25. Factors influencing their willingness were analysed with modified Poisson regression and robust standard errors. Results More than half, 56.7% (95% CI: 51.4 to 61.8), were willing to use CAB-LA. Willingness was significantly associated with being sexually active in the past 3 months, using alcohol in the past 6 months, or being in the 4th year of study compared to the 1st year. Conclusion Educational initiatives on innovative HIV prevention strategies, such as CAB-LA, should be introduced early in university students’ studies to increase awareness and acceptance.
ISSN:1742-6405