Gender-specific combination HIV prevention pilot for Kenyan Youth (mp3 youth): Choosing from a menu of effective intervention options

Abstract

Background: HIV incidence remains high among adolescents and young people (AYP) in Kenya. Strategies to deliver effective HIV prevention  interventions to AYP are needed. We assessed preference for gender-specific HIV prevention interventions provided in combination, using the mobile  venue approach.

Objective: To determine the combinations of gender-specific HIV interventions preferred by AYP.

Design: A cross-sectional study  conducted through mobile health events where all AYP received HIV testing (required), and if positive, offered CD4 and viral load testing, and linkage to  treatment (optional). Additionally, contraceptives, pregnancy test and if positive, linkage to PMTCT were offered to female participants as options, as was  medical circumcision for male participants and condoms for all participants.

Setting: Homabay County, Kenya

Participants: AYP aged 15-24 years

Main  outcome measure: A package of HIV interventions selected by AYP.

Results: 1,277 AYP were screened and 1,093 enrolled (37% male). Altogether, 118(10.8%) tested HIV-positive, 47 as initial diagnosis; 88(75%) of those eligible linked to care: 39% were initial diagnosis and 61% were known positives  not yet in care. Among females, the service choice was HIV and pregnancy testing (23.5%); HIV and pregnancy testing, condoms, and contraceptives  (22.6%), and HIV testing and contraceptives (22.1%). Majority (73%) of male AYP chose HIV testing and condoms while 60.2% of HIV-positive AYP chose  HIV, viral load and CD4 testing, and linkage.

Conclusion: Kenyan AYP were responsive to a gender-specific menu of HIV prevention options. Mobile  intervention delivery is feasible, acceptable, and able to identify AYP living with HIV and link them to care.