P-69 Perceptions of HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and youth-friendly prevention services among undergraduate students in health-related programmes in Guyana
Author(s):
J Frank
Type Of Study:
- Quantitative
- Observational Study
Year of Presentation:
2026
Objective: To assess HIV and PrEP knowledge, perceived
HIV risk, anticipated stigma, and preferences for youthfriendly HIV prevention and PrEP service delivery models
among undergraduate university students enrolled in healthrelated programmes in Guyana.
Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among 180 undergraduate health students at the University of Guyana using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected via paper or tablet-based forms during scheduled classes to maximize response rates. Analysis included descriptive statistics and bivariate tests (chi-square and t-tests) to examine associations between knowledge, stigma, and willingness to use or recommend PrEP, disaggregated by gender and year of study.
Results: General HIV knowledge was high, but gaps remained regarding modern prevention principles (U=U) and PrEP indications. Awareness of PrEP was moderate, with anticipated stigma specifically concerns regarding being judged as “promiscuous”identified as a key barrier. Students preferred on-campus clinics (40.0%) and telehealth/pharmacy pick-up (22.2%) over conventional public clinics (12.2%). While 53.3% were willing to use PrEP personally, 70.0% expressed willingness to recommend it to future patients. Willingness was significantly higher among those with greater knowledge and lower anticipated stigma
Conclusion: Future health-programme clinicians in Guyana hold uneven HIV/PrEP knowledge and meaningful levels of anticipated stigma. Students showed clear preferences for more accessible, youth-friendly service models, highlighting a need for targeted curriculum strengthening and service innovations.