FP-PrEP

Feasibility of implementing an integrated hybrid model of service delivery for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in South Africa

Summary

AGYW in Sub Saharan Africa face a myriad of sexual and reproductive health challenges including HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), intimate partner violence (IPV), unplanned pregnancies and mental health issues. These problems are exacerbated by current verticalized service delivery models, which are characterised by non-integrated services, multiple missed opportunities and judgemental provider attitudes resulting in low uptake of services by AGYW. There is therefore an urgent need to develop optimal service delivery models responsive to the problems AGYW face. Given this need for optimal service delivery models, this study aims to determine the feasibility of implementing an integrated hybrid model of service delivery for AGYW (15-24) integrating STI/HIV transmission and prevention services into family planning (FP) services using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) adapted to assess feasibility and acceptability. This will be done at selected health facilities and address barriers to access to improve uptake of FP services , PrEP, STI and mental health screening and linkage to care through use of health connectors. The feasibility will be assessed through four elements namely (i) the acceptability of an integrated hybrid model for SRH, (ii) assessing demand, (iii) determining practicality and (iv) determining the adaptation needed to implement the model.

Primary Objectives

1. Determine client, provider and key informant acceptability of the integrated hybrid model for SRH service delivery for AGYW
2. Assess demand and preference for integrated SRH services amongst AGYW
3. Determine the practicality of delivering integrated hybrid model for SRH service delivery for AGYW in a resource constrained setting, and
4. Determine current level of integration and the adaptations needed to implement the integrated hybrid model for SRH service delivery for AGYW.

Study population

• AGYW (aged 15-24 years)
• AGYW accessing family planning services at the facility
• AGYW in the community accessed through community-based organizations which will include adolescent key populations Family planning service providers and facility managers
• Family planning services providers (nurses, counsellors) currently providing services at the facility and facility managers at the facility
• Key informants (such as representatives at community-based organizations, policy makers)

Investigators

Diantha Pillay, Dr Saiqa Mullick/p>

Donors

DFID, UK MRC

Latest Update: 15 February 2021

For more about FP-PrEP please email rhicomms@wrhi.ac.za