Abstract
Abstract: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake and adherence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) may be negatively influenced by poor interactions with health care providers. We assessed PrEP counseling using unannounced standardized patient actors (USPs) at routine care clinics in Kenya. Trained actors posed as AGYW seeking PrEP services following case scripts and completed a checklist of provider adherence to national guidelines and communication skills. Scores were converted into a percentage and compared using linear regression. The overall mean quality score was 52.1 and varied across case scripts: a married new initiator yielded higher scores than portrayals of adherence/stigma challenges, transactional sex, and a minor adolescent. Mean guideline scores (31.4) were lower than communication scores (72.8), although in 36.5% of encounters, USPs stated they would not seek help from that provider again. Unannounced standardized patients reported provider reluctance to offer PrEP to AGYW. Interventions to strengthen provider counseling skills are needed.