Awareness, knowledge, perception and behavioral risk predictors of acceptability of long-acting injectable lenacapavir HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Long-acting injectable HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), particularly lenacapavir, has demonstrated near-complete efficacy, yet its public health impact depends on community awareness, knowledge and acceptance. This cross-sectional study assessed awareness, knowledge, perceptions, acceptability, and predictors of lenacapavir use among adults in Ghana. We found awareness, knowledge, and perceptions were generally low, whilst acceptability was moderate (60.5%). Poor perception [(aOR = 0.12, 95% CI (0.05–0.29), p < 0.001)] and irregular exposure to online health information [(aOR = 0.24, 95% CI (0.07–0.77), p = 0.017)] were independently associated, 88.0% and 76.0% respectively, with lower acceptability. Targeted education, health worker engagement, and supportive policies are essential to facilitate lenacapavir uptake in Ghana.