A Gender-Enhanced Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Information-Motivational Workshop for Young South African Women

This is a phase 1 pilot study to assess feasibility and acceptability and potential for impact of a gender-enhanced virtual group workshop focused on oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as an HIV prevention method for young South African women. It was developed in collaboration with South African adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 18-25. The investigators compared AGYW (N=100) assigned to the virtual group-based (GE) workshop to those assigned to an Individually Accessed (IA) condition in which women were given access to a PrEP video and to websites that provide information on PrEP and on contraception options. Investigators also evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of participant-driven recruitment (PDR). AGYW assigned to either intervention condition were invited to become Peer Health Advocates (PHAs), who were incentivized to talk to social network members and refer up to three to the intervention type the PHA attended. The aim was to assess if PDR is self-sustaining and is effective at reaching women who might not be reached in clinics.