Assessing Mozambicans’ willingness and determinants to use pre-exposure prophylactic HIV medication

Abstract

In anticipation of the introduction of the pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs as an additional HIV prevention tool, we mapped the different positions of Mozambicans’ willingness to use it. Overall, 507 adults indicated willingness to use under different conditions varying as a function of perceived susceptibility to and severity of infection, side effects, administration protocol, and cost. Three qualitatively different positions were found: Unwillingness irrespective of conditions (4%), depend on circumstances (76%), and unconditional willingness (8%). A large majority of participants were willing to use pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs, provided that the administration is not too constraining, and the adverse side effects can be minimized.