Retention of clients in HIV oral pre-exposure prophylaxis care in Engela, Namibia.

Background:  Namibia has made tremendous progress in controlling the HIV epidemic. The progress has resulted in significant incidence and AIDS-related mortality reductions. However, new infections continue to persist.

Aim:  The study aimed to measure the clients' retention rate in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care and associated factors.

Setting:  Engela District, in Namibia's Ohangwena region.

Methods:  We chose an analytical cross-sectional study design for this study. We selected 275 participants using a proportional stratified random sampling method. We used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data. We employed Chi-square tests and logistic regression for data analysis.

Results:  Participants' retention rate in PrEP care at 3 months was 35.6%, 95% CI (35.2% - 36.0%). Binomial logistic regression showed that men and the unemployed were less likely to be retained in PrEP, crude odds ratio (OR) = 0.52, 95% CI (0.30-0.91), and OR = 0.27, 95% CI (0.15-0.49), respectively. Participants who were divorced or in a relationship were also less likely to be retained in PrEP care, OR = 0.41, 95% CI (0.18-0.96), and OR = 0.43 95% CI (0.23 - 0.80), respectively. Furthermore, participants at Engela District Hospital were less likely to be retained in PrEP care, OR = 0.52, 95% CI (0.29 -0.93).

Conclusion:  Addressing the specific challenges unemployed individuals face in continuing on PrEP is crucial. Strategies should include decentralising PrEP services in the district and employing community-based models.Contribution: In addition, comprehensive PrEP education targeting men should be provided in diverse settings to improve their PrEP knowledge.