Willingness to Test for HIV and Initiate Post-exposure Prophylaxis Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Seeking Emergency Contraceptive Pills in Pharmacies in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya: A Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) often seek emergency contraceptive pills (ECP) within 72 hr of condomless sex, a critical period for HIV exposure prevention through testing and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). Pharmacies, where most AGYW obtain ECP, provide an ideal setting for timely HIV prevention services. From May to October 2023, a longitudinal study was conducted among AGYW ages 15-24 years seeking ECP in five pharmacies in Nairobi and Kisumu. Eligible participants were not on preexposure prophylaxis and provided consent. Baseline and 10-day optional follow-up phone data assessed HIV testing history, risk perception, and willingness to test or start PEP. Of 297 screened, 200 enrolled (mean age = 22 years). Nearly all (97.5%) had previously tested for HIV; 79% were interested in pharmacy-based testing and 73% in PEP. By follow-up, 50.7% tested for HIV, and 10.5% initiated PEP. These findings suggest that pharmacies offer a promising avenue to link ECP users to timely HIV prevention service.