Journal of the International AIDS Society
Feasibility and Acceptability of Delivering HIV Self-Testing and Oral PrEP Refills to Female Sex Workers Through Community Drug Shops in Kampala, Uganda: A Single-Arm Pilot Interventional Study
By Nakaye C, Mawanda D, Mukiza N and 8 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Female sex workers (FSWs) in Uganda are disproportionately affected by HIV, with prevalence estimates reaching 37%. Decentralization of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery, including community-based mechanisms, brings services closer to target populations. We assessed feasibility and acceptability of decentralized oral PrEP refill delivery with HIV self-testing (HIVST) through a drug shop-based model in Kampala, Uganda, among FSWs already using oral PrEP.
Methods
From October 2024 to June 2025, we conducted a single-arm pilot interventional study with 45 FSWs, aged≥18 years, receiving oral PrEP from a government facility for ≥ 1 month before enrolment. Participants were purposively linked to community drug shops convenient to their areas of residence for oral PrEP refills provision after HIVST at 1, 3 and 6 months. Feasibility was assessed by study participation rate, accrual and retention parameters. Structured questions using a 4-point Likert scale were used to collect acceptability data at 3 and 6 months. Persistence was assessed by measuring proportions of participants who continued in care, received HIVST and oral PrEP refills from community drug shops. Descriptive analysis was conducted to summarize feasibility, acceptability and persistence to PrEP refills.