A prep information and self-screening tool for women

Abstract

Although HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for women, studies show limited uptake among women to date. Barriers to women’s PrEP uptake include their limited knowledge about PrEP and low perceived HIV risk. To address these barriers, we developed and pretested a printed palm card containing HIV prevention/PrEP information that addressed HIV prevention motivation with self-assessment questions about HIV risk. We conducted expert interviews (N = 8), focus groups with health, education, and social service providers (N = 13), and interviews with community women (N = 30) in New York City to assess attention to and acceptability of the card, comprehension of the information, and potential impact on prevention motivation. The card format and content were found to be acceptable and potentially motivational for preventive behaviors, as well as particularly relevant for women. Results of testing for language use, comprehension, and attention guided the final version of the card content.