Perspectives of Women Who Have Migrated from Sub-Saharan Africa to Paris, France on PrEP Outreach and Education

Women who have migrated from sub-Saharan Africa to France face a disproportionate risk of HIV acquisition yet remain underrepresented among pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users. Barriers to PrEP use have been identified including low awareness of PrEP due to limited outreach from providers and ineffective advertising campaigns. This study builds on our previous work demonstrating interest in PrEP among this population by examining how to best engage these women through PrEP education and advertising. We conducted 6 focus groups with 25 women who migrated from sub-Saharan Africa recruited from the Lariboisière Hospital Family Planning Center in Paris between October 2024 and October 2025. Using a semi-structured focus group guide, we explored participants’ knowledge and perception of PrEP and responses to advertisements. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic coding in Dedoose. Most participants (80%) had never heard of PrEP, but responses were positive when it was described. Participants identified health care providers as a trusted information source and social media as a promising channel for community outreach. Women preferred detailed, accessible medical content. Campaigns featuring Black women exclusively prompted concerns about stigmatization. Safety from HIV acquisition, especially in the context of relationship structures, was consistently cited as a motivator for PrEP use. Outreach strategies should leverage trusted provider relationships and peer networks. Content of educational initiatives should include accessible medical information and feature diverse representation without stigmatizing vulnerable groups. Framing of PrEP in advertisements should consider structural differences affecting a specific population, based on the circumstances surrounding their unique risks for HIV acquisition.