"Men Take Care of Each Other": Evaluation of a Community-Based Model for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Services Among Male Bar Patrons in Rural South Africa

Low engagement with HIV services persists among young men with harmful alcohol use in South Africa. We previously piloted a rural community-based HIV service delivery model to engage this key population. In the initial study, male nurses visited alcohol-serving venues to provide HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services. From November 1 to December 30, 2021, we conducted interviews with 17 of 34 male pilot participants to evaluate program barriers, facilitators, and suggestions. All interviewees were satisfied with HIV testing and PrEP services. Participants overcame testing avoidance through peer influence and enhanced privacy. Barriers for PrEP initiation were stigma (PrEP mistaken for HIV treatment) and complacency toward HIV, while facilitators included desire to mitigate alcohol-associated risks, social support, and comfort with male community nurses. Most participants self-reported good adherence due to daily routines, nurse follow-ups, and social support, with lapses due to travel and alcohol use. Post-pilot, only three participants transferred to clinics to continue PrEP due to inconvenient access, unwelcoming environment, and stigma of clinic attendance. All participants wanted to restart community-based PrEP due to convenience, preference for male nurses, and avoidance of stigma. A few participants reported privacy concerns regarding peer-pressure to disclose test results and pills or home visits being mistaken for HIV treatment. Future suggestions included school/church visits, unmarked vehicles, nurse assistance with facilitated PrEP disclosure, patient ambassadors, and injectable PrEP. Community-based PrEP services using male nurses at alcohol-serving venues can reach men who otherwise would not engage in HIV services.