Women’s Sociocultural Representations of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Intimate Partner Violence in Heterosexual Relationships: A Qualitative Story Method

Le résumé fourni par la source

ABSTRACT Objective The current study sought to assess women’s understanding of pre-exposure prophylaxis interest and initiation in heterosexually-active relationships with and without histories of intimate partner violence. Design 2017-18 prospective cohort study with an embedded, story completion exercise in the 90-day follow-up such that participants were randomized to receive one of two versions of a story stem based on whether they experienced intimate partner violence. Setting Connecticut. Participants 132 heterosexually-active, cisgender adult women residing in the state of Connecticut. Primary outcomes measures Our primary outcome included identifying principal narratives that describes women’s conceptualizations of pre-exposure prophylaxis interest and initiation in heterosexually-active relationships. Results Using both story mapping and thematic analysis techniques, four principal narratives were identified across the stories: 1) the Informed and Empowered PrEP User , 2) the Clandestine PrEP User , 3) the Hesitant PrEP Contemplator , and 4) the Disenfranchised PrEP Non-User . These novel narratives provide insights on how social, clinical, and interpersonal factors are underpinning heterosexually-active, cisgender adult women’s ability to display interest and initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis in their relationships. Conclusions If our findings are replicated in studies in different settings, it will provide substantial support for future prevention interventions adopting empowerment-centered approaches to refocus women’s needs in the context of PrEP initiation and healthy relationships.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.