Pilot study design, participants and procedures
The intervention was pilot‐tested in a cluster‐randomized controlled trial from April to December 2019. The primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability (reported elsewhere) and safety. Secondary outcomes of PrEP uptake, adherence and continuation were assessed to gather preliminary evidence of efficacy, but it was not possible to power the study for these outcomes in this pilot stage. Six geographically separate DREAMS Safe Spaces were selected, matched into pairs based on size, geographic setting (peri‐urban, rural or fishing) and the proportion of attendees potentially eligible for PrEP, then randomized 1:1 within pairs to the intervention plus usual DREAMS services or usual DREAMS services alone. Participants were recruited during routine Safe Space meetings. Eligibility criteria included: aged 15–24; enrolled in DREAMS and attended at least one activity at the Safe Space in the past 3 months; HIV negative by self‐report; met behavioural eligibility criteria for PrEP, as defined by the 2016 Kenya national guidelines [