INTEGRATING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS INTO PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PREP) PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE ADHERENCE AND HIV PREVENTION OUTCOMES


Ayodele Blessing Ayo-ige , Imelda Nabossa , Olamide Akintibubo , Edward Oware
1.School of Public Health Yale University, Connecticut, USA,2. Washington University in St. Louis, 3. Whittier Street Health Centre, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 4.School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
Abstract
Administration of behavior and psychosocial interventions into the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) practices has come to form an imperative approach to the enhancement of adherence, retention, and successful processing of the entire program. The review is a synthesis of recent studies done in the United States that have tested the effectiveness of behavioral and mental health integration in the PrEP outcome in various populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, and those who use drugs (PWUD). According to the findings, there are five recurring themes, including: (1) integrated behavioral support is remarkably effective in improving compliance and engagement; (2) high-risk populations are those experiencing the greatest benefits; (3) low-intensity interventions, including phone counseling and education programs, are both cost-effective and scalable; (4) untreated mental health conditions, especially depression, stigma, and trauma are key obstacles to the success of PrEP; and (5) significant implementation gaps exist among women, adolescents, and those with limited resources. These findings indicate the necessity of a policy that will enforce behavioral health integration into systems of HIV prevention and encourage intervention that targets the underrepresented groups. As highlighted in the review, psychosocial determinants must not be treated as peripheral in the maintenance of PrEP, but because they are central to the achievement of national HIV prevention objectives.
Keywords: Behavioral health intervention, Pre-exposure prophylaxis, HIV, Behavioral therapy, pre-exposure therapy.
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Research & Development (IJRD)

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Published on : 2026-01-30

Vol : 11
Issue : 1
Month : January
Year : 2026
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