Brief Communication: Factors associated with willingness to use long-acting injectable Cabotegravir for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among female undergraduate students at a Ugandan university

Abstract

Abstract Background We assessed the willingness of female students at a Ugandan public university to use long-acting Cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for HIV prevention, given their high prevalence of HIV risk behaviours. Methods Using an online questionnaire, this cross-sectional study surveyed 346 female undergraduate students aged 18–25. Factors influencing their willingness were analysed with modified Poisson regression and robust standard errors. Results More than half, 56.7% (95% CI: 51.4 to 61.8), were willing to use CAB-LA. Willingness was significantly associated with being sexually active in the past 3 months, using alcohol in the past 6 months, or being in the 4th year of study compared to the 1st year. Conclusion Educational initiatives on innovative HIV prevention strategies, such as CAB-LA, should be introduced early in university students’ studies to increase awareness and acceptance.

Keywords

• Long-acting cabotegravir
• Pre-exposure prophylaxis
• Students
• Willingness