Perspectives on Progress: A Qualitative Study of HIV Prevention Efforts in the Czech Republic
Author(s)
Veronika Szépe, MSc1, Sylva Rödlová, PhD2, Milan Zlámal, MD3, Aleš Tichopád, Assoc. Prof.1.
1Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Kladno, Czech Republic, 2General Hygiene Department, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic, 3Clinic of Infectious Diseases, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital, Central Military Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
1Department of Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Kladno, Czech Republic, 2General Hygiene Department, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic, 3Clinic of Infectious Diseases, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital, Central Military Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
OBJECTIVES: Significant advances in HIV prevention in Europe have been made, but regional disparities remain, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. In the Czech Republic, the prevalence of HIV is relatively low, but the incidence rate is rising, especially among key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM), migrants, and people who inject drugs. Each group faces specific challenges in accessing prevention services. The effective prevention of such problems requires tailored approaches and collaboration across a range of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health (MoH), healthcare providers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), insurance companies, and the pharmaceutical sector.
METHODS: This qualitative research was conducted from 1 November 2024 to 19 February 2025. A total of 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders grouped into five professional categories. The interviews were transcribed and anonymised. The data was independently coded by two researchers using MAXQDA Analytic Pro (v24.7.0).
RESULTS: Five main thematic clusters were identified: Key populations, Education, Expectations, Barriers and Challenges, Funding and Resources. In the context of targeted prevention, the most frequently mentioned key group was MSM (p < 0.05). The most critical issue was that of funding (mentioned in 19 codes, p < 0.05). The issue of reimbursement for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) emerged as a significant challenge identified by stakeholders from all backgrounds. Within the Expectations cluster, increased stakeholder collaboration (mentioned 16 times) and greater prevention funding (mentioned 13 times) were both identified as statistically significant priorities (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Stakeholders identified several areas for improvement in HIV prevention, focusing on access to testing and PrEP, public awareness, reducing stigma, and funding stability. The enhancement of intersectoral collaboration and the establishment of sustainable funding models, notably for PrEP reimbursement, are pivotal in aligning Czechia's HIV prevention strategy with global best practices.
METHODS: This qualitative research was conducted from 1 November 2024 to 19 February 2025. A total of 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders grouped into five professional categories. The interviews were transcribed and anonymised. The data was independently coded by two researchers using MAXQDA Analytic Pro (v24.7.0).
RESULTS: Five main thematic clusters were identified: Key populations, Education, Expectations, Barriers and Challenges, Funding and Resources. In the context of targeted prevention, the most frequently mentioned key group was MSM (p < 0.05). The most critical issue was that of funding (mentioned in 19 codes, p < 0.05). The issue of reimbursement for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) emerged as a significant challenge identified by stakeholders from all backgrounds. Within the Expectations cluster, increased stakeholder collaboration (mentioned 16 times) and greater prevention funding (mentioned 13 times) were both identified as statistically significant priorities (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Stakeholders identified several areas for improvement in HIV prevention, focusing on access to testing and PrEP, public awareness, reducing stigma, and funding stability. The enhancement of intersectoral collaboration and the establishment of sustainable funding models, notably for PrEP reimbursement, are pivotal in aligning Czechia's HIV prevention strategy with global best practices.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH177
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Reproductive & Sexual Health