Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continues to be a major global public health threat despite the availability of biomedical prevention strategies such as HIV PrEP and PEP. Despite their efficacy, utilization rates are low among youths aged 15–24, who account for approximately 27% of new infections globally and 33% in Kenya. While the determinants of HIV PrEP and PEP use have been studied among men who have sex with men, female sex workers, adolescent girls, and women, research focusing on young adults is limited. Guided by the Health Belief Model, this study assessed the factors that dictate the usage of HIV PrEP and PEP among the youth between the ages of 18 and 24 years in Khwisero Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya. This study adopted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional research design. The target population consisted of young adults from the ages of 18 to 24. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, which arrived at 426 participants. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 was used to analyze quantitative data through descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square and logistic regression at a significance level of 0.05. The study revealed a low prevalence of PrEP (23.4%) and PEP (22.6%) utilization. Significant determinants of PrEP use included education level (χ2 = 8.1, OR = 0.21, P = 0.04) and religion (χ2 = 5.0, OR = 0.40, P = 0.03). Factors affecting PEP utilization encompassed education level (χ2=17.76, OR=0.43, P<0.001), marital status (χ2=6.47, OR=0.33, P=0.04), and living arrangement (χ2=9.91, OR=1.95, P<0.001). Based on these findings, it is recommended that additional levels of health education interventions and culturally appropriate campaigns be carried out in order to increase the usage of PrEP and PEP among young adults.
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