A point-of-care tenofovir urine test improves accuracy of self-reported preexposure prophylaxis adherence and increases condomless sex reporting among young women.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated a recently developed and validated point-of-care urine tenofovir (POC TFV) test to determine whether its use improves the accuracy of self-reported adherence to preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and sexual behavior.

DESIGN

We enrolled sexually active HIV-negative women ages 16 to 25 years in Kampala, Uganda.

METHODS

Women were followed quarterly for 24 months with HIV prevention counseling, PrEP dispensation, and adherence counseling. Midway through the study, the POC TFV test was introduced as part of routine study procedures. We examined changes in self-reported PrEP adherence, sexual behavior, and accuracy of self-reported PrEP adherence before and after the introduction of the POC TFV test.

RESULTS

A total of 146 women receiving PrEP refills had at least one visit with a POC TFV test administered before the study exit. At baseline, the median age was 19 years [interquartile range (IQR): 18-21] and the majority (76%) reported having condomless sex within the last 3 months. Participants more frequently self-reported low PrEP adherence [odds ratio (OR): 2.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.89-4.67, P  = 0.001] and condomless sex (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.04-2.06, P  = 0.03) during visits using the test compared with visits without the test. The accuracy of self-reported PrEP adherence (determined by concordance with TFV-diphosphate levels) was greater when the test was used (61 versus 24%, OR: 4.86, 95% CI: 2.85-8.30, P  < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

When the POC TFV test was used, we observed greater reporting of condomless sex, low PrEP adherence, and more accurate reports of PrEP adherence. The test could facilitate honest conversations between clients and providers and warrant further investigation.