New Journal Article Documents Communication Needs and Barriers to HIV Prevention Services in Nigeria
December 1st, 2021 | research
An article published in the journal BioMed Central (BMC AIDS Research and Therapy) documents the barriers and facilitators to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and HIV- self-testing (HIVST) among key populations in Nigeria. The study, written with contributions from JSI staff Olawale Durosinmi-Etti, Emmanuel Kelechi Nwala, and Arome Shaibu, also describes the broader communications needs to promote sustainable behavior change.
Despite the introduction of PrEP and HIVST services in Nigeria during 2017 and 2018, there has been a reportedly low uptake among key populations. Reasons for this include literacy levels, cost, language, norms, cultures, risk perception, and stigma.
The Nigerian government and its implementing partners have channeled messages through in-person social media, television, and radio about these essential services. However, few have been successful, indicating the need for a better understanding of communication barriers.
The study revealed that the preferences of key population groups and influencers must be considered when developing communication strategies. Messages should be context-specific and conveyed by community ambassadors, peer educators, and service providers.
Read the full article, Communication needs for improved uptake of PrEP and HIVST services among key populations in Nigeria: a mixed-method study.
