Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Medical Unit Program-(IFE4Her) to Enhance PrEP Awareness and Access Among Cis-gender Women in Low-Income Southeastern Communities: A Pilot Study.
C E Golin, L M Hill, S D Ayangeakaa et al.
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In 30 seconds
This pilot clinical trial assessed the feasibility and acceptability of I’m Fully Empowered (IFE4Her), a peer-led, culturally tailored intervention delivered with mobile medical unit services in four low-income Southeastern communities. The program aimed to improve PrEP awareness and access among cisgender women. Across eight months of weekly sessions, 31 of 78 women who approached the unit received services; 24 (77%) had a PrEP consultation, and 8 (33%) expressed interest in starting PrEP. Field logistics prevented initiation, while satisfaction was high, suggesting the model was acceptable but required implementation improvements.
Key findings
- Of 78 women who approached the mobile unit, 31 received services and 24 (77%) had a PrEP consultation.
- Eight women (33%) expressed interest in initiating PrEP, but field-based logistical barriers prevented initiation.
- Satisfaction was high, with 80-85% reporting positive experiences with convenience, scheduling, and consultation quality.
- Over 95% of participants used additional health screenings.
Why it matters
The pilot suggests that bringing culturally tailored PrEP information and consultations into underserved communities can engage women and provide convenient access to related health screenings. It also shows that interest alone may not translate into PrEP initiation when laboratory and transportation logistics are unresolved. These findings help identify practical implementation issues for future mobile access models.
What to keep in mind
This was a pilot study in four low-income communities, and logistical barriers prevented PrEP initiation, limiting conclusions about whether the intervention increases PrEP uptake.