Views and Perceptions of 3rd Year Degree Nursing Students Regarding PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) at the Higher Institution of Training in Namibia

Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess the views and perceptions of the 3rd year degree nursing students regarding preexposure prophylaxis. Background: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis is a drug administration approved human immunodeficiency virus prevention tool that reduces the risk of infection by greater than 90%. Despite the success of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, there remain barriers to PrEP uptake rooted in stigmatized perspectives shared by health professionals, patients and the community at large. Method: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was used. The target population was 3rd year degree nursing students. Using face to face individual in-depth interviews, a sample size of sixteen 3rd year degree nursing students was selected using purposive sampling method and were analysed using the thematic analysis. Results: The following themes emerged: 3rd year degree nursing students’ views regarding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; 3rd year degree nursing student’s perceptions regarding Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and the factors that hinder to seek Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis services. Conclusions: The 3rd year degree nursing students have positive views and perceptions.