학술논문

Key programmatic and policy considerations for introducing multipurpose prevention (MPT) methods: reflections from healthcare providers and key stakeholders in South Africa
Document Type
article
Source
Frontiers in Reproductive Health, Vol 6 (2024)
Subject
healthcare providers
multipurpose prevention methods
MPTs
South Africa
multipurpose prevention technologies
policy considerations
Reproduction
QH471-489
Medicine (General)
R5-920
Language
English
ISSN
2673-3153
Abstract
IntroductionMultipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) simultaneously prevent HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and/or unintended pregnancy. Key gatekeepers, [healthcare providers (HCPs) and key stakeholders] require proactive engagement before product implementation. This manuscript identifies HCP demand creation strategies, key stakeholder considerations for the adoption of MPTs in South Africa.MethodsFormative research was conducted in three districts in three South African provinces (July to November 2022). Nurses initiating oral PrEP at facility and mobile study sites participated in 4-hour participatory workshops, exploring HIV prevention, including MPTs, demand creation strategies, and preferred MPTs training packages. Activities were observed, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Five online in-depth interviews (IDIs) with Key informants (KIs) (National/district programme implementers and technical leads) and one in person, exploring key programmatic and policy considerations for MPT adoption. IDIs were approximately 40 min long, audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed.ResultsTwenty-one Professional Nurses completed workshops: 19 female. Six IDIs were conducted with 4 Facility Managers, 1 NDoH representative and 1 DoH Provincial Deputy Director. All participants were females, aged 30–60+ years with >10 years' in SRH/HIV policy/advocacy/research. Community conversations and information at the clinic were the best MPT demand creation methods among HCPs. KIs identified five considerations for future MPT implementation: HCP training; demand creation and messaging; existing PrEP policy amendments; preparing users for additional choice; and sustaining MPT provision.ConclusionContraceptive implant and oral PrEP implementation lessons learned should be proactively considered when preparing for MPT introduction. HCP training and demand creation are of particular importance before MPT introduction.