Factors Associated with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Adherence Self-Efficacy among High-risk Drug Users in Treatment

Background: Recent studies on Pre-exposure prophylaxis treatment (PrEP) has received significant recognition as a promising preventive strategy among high-risk individuals. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted on willingness of PrEP use, and NCI as predictors of HIV risk behavior, no study to date, has explored the impact of various motivation factors along with the use of internet & technology devices and psychological aspects on PrEP adherence self-efficacy. So, the objectives of thesis analyses were to examine whether various motivation factors, psychological factors, and communication technology predicts PrEP adherence self-efficacy. Method: The study was conducted among 400 HIV-negative high-risk PWUD enrolled in a community based methadone maintenance treatment program. Participants completed an audio-computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) which measured motivation, Neurocognitive impairment (NCI), depression, use of internet and technology devices and adherence self-efficacy. We conducted linear regression analyses of different factors on PrEP adherence self-efficacy. Result: The analysis showed the social motivation (β=0.32, p =0.0) and attitudes about PrEP use (β=0.139, p=.004) predicted PrEP adherence self-efficacy. However, intention motivation for PrEP (β= -0.241, p\u3e0.05) showed a reciprocal relationship with adherence self-efficacy. Finding highlights that use of internet (β=0.09, p=0.017) has a positive impact on adherence self-efficacy along with the use of technology devices (β=0213, pConclusion: The, results suggest the significant association with motivation and use of technology benefits strengthens our knowledge about important factors affecting PrEP use among high risk individuals that may be valuable to incorporate into future interventions