Participant pseudonym, Age range in years | No. of clubs attended | Education/ Employ-ment | Relationship status at start of study | Life-time GBV Experiencea | PrEP acceptor at first visit (yes/delayed) | Self-reported PrEP use and challengesb | PrEP continuation to study endc |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Olive, 21–24 | 0 | University student | Partner of > 1 year | Yes | Yes | Generally used PrEP consistently. Missed doses when away from home. | Maintained PrEP use. |
Mbali, 21–24 | 0 | University student | Partner of > 1 year | Yes | Yes | PrEP use became easier following disclosure to partner, who was controlling but accepted her use of PrEP. | Maintained PrEP use. |
Samu, 18–20 | 2 | University student | Single | Yes | Delayed due to mother’s opposition; became covert user | Inconsistent PrEP use throughout study, especially during periods of sexual abstinence. | Maintained PrEP use. |
Lerato, 18–20 | 2 | University student | Partner of < 1 year; separate lover of > 1 year | Yes | Yes | Consistent PrEP use despite lack of support from partner. | Temporarily discontinued with intention to re-start. |
Prudence, 18–20 | 3 | University student | Partner of > 1 year | No | Yes | Inconsistent PrEP use and relied on partner to remind her. | Discontinued use when relationship ended. |
Pamela, 18–20 | 4 | High school student | Partner of > 1 year | No | Yes | Generally used PrEP consistently. Missed doses when routine changed unexpectedly. | Maintained PrEP use. |
Busi, 21–24 | 4 | Completed high school; employed | Partner of > 1 year | Yes | Yes | Generally used PrEP consistently when in relationship. Noted no adherence challenges. | Discontinued use when relationship ended, and risk perceived to be zero. Distance to clinic considered a burden. |
Mariam, 18–20 | 5 | Completed high school; employed | Partner of < 1 year | No | Yes | Consistent PrEP use improved over time as usage became more routine. | Maintained PrEP use. |
Zanele, 21–24 | 5 | University student | Partner of < 1 year | No | Yes | Inconsistent PrEP use. | Discontinued use when decided to get pregnant. HIV sero-converted a few months after discontinuation. |
Thuli, 21–24 | 5 | University student | Partner of > 1 year | Yes | Yes | Inconsistent PrEP use. Wanted a long-acting option. | Maintained PrEP use. |
Dudu, 21–24 | 5 | Completed high school; employed | Partner of < 1 year | No | Yes | Consistent PrEP use. | Temporarily discontinued use when became pregnant. Intention to re-start. |
Nelisiwe, 18–20 | 6 | Completed high school; employed | Partner of < 1 year | Yes | Yes | Initially an inconsistent PrEP user. Consistent PrEP use improved after first few months. | Maintained PrEP use. |
Lillian, 21–24 | 6 | University student | Partner of < 1 year | Yes | Yes | Generally consistent PrEP use. Missed doses when routine changed unexpectedly. | Temporarily discontinued with intention to re-start. |