Information
ADVERSE EVENTS, SAID
Participants valued the thorough knowledge about HIV and the study products that they gained through counselling and peer support clubs. Understanding how HIV is transmitted and how the products work increased AGYW's trust that the products could truly prevent HIV, and thus their motivation to use them.

Participants also gained knowledge about managing product use in routine and unanticipated situations, such as missing their scheduled dosing time, reinserting the ring after removal, feeling unwell or suspecting pregnancy, and this knowledge built self‐efficacy to adhere. Information about adverse events relieved participants’ product safety fears, which often stemmed from community rumours. Though this information initially came from counsellors, many AGYW were convinced of its truth after support clubs. Hearing peers’ experiences reassured participants that their side effects were normal or expected, and they were motivated by seeing others’ side effects subside or be successfully managed:

The support clubs also helped participants ask questions they initially felt embarrassed about, further increasing knowledge and supporting adherence.

Additionally, information helped participants explain the products to people outside the study. During disclosure, this enabled them to project confidence in their choice to use a PrEP product. It also increased their ability to confront or disregard rumours or misinformation and stay motivated despite what others said.

