Factors associated with the use of selected multiple HIV prevention services among men in Kenya

The use of multiple HIV prevention strategies is more effective in preventing HIV than single-method approaches. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the factors associated with the utilization of multiple HIV prevention methods among Kenyan men. We analysed secondary data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) involving 14,453 participants who were selected by multistage stratified sampling. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted using SPSS (version 29) to identify associated factors. About 75.4% of men used at least two HIV prevention methods. Most were circumcised (94.2%), followed by those who had tested for HIV (73.5%) and used condoms at last sexual intercourse (30.2%). Concerning the use of multiple HIV prevention services, the findings indicated that a relatively low proportion of the men who had tested for HIV, were circumcised and then used condoms (22.7%), followed by men who had tested for HIV, and then used condoms (23.9%), and those who were circumcised and then used condoms (28.7%). Factors associated with utilization of multiple HIV prevention services included HIV knowledge (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) = 4.67 (95%CI 1.35–16.21), age at first sex (aOR = 0.25 (95%CI 0.08–0.79), age at first child (aOR = 10.67 (95%CI 1.25–91.13), number of lifetime partners (aOR = 0.44 (95%CI 0.24–0.80), access to newspapers (aOR = 2.78 (95%CI 1.42–5.43), belonging to certain tribes (Taita/Taveta = aOR=0.02 (95%CI 0.003–0.16), Meru (aOR = 0.20 (95%CI 0.57–0.70), and Luo = aOR=0.05 (95%CI 0.01–0.17) and justified refusing of sex by their partners (aOR = 2.02 (95%CI1.12–3.64), living in certain regions of Kenya (North Easten region (aOR = 0.10(95%CI0.02–0.56), Eastern (aOR = 0.23(95%CI0.07–0.77), Central (aOR = 0.16 (95%CI0.04–0.61), Rift valley (aOR = 0.06(95%CI0.02.0.18). Utilization of multiple HIV prevention services among Kenyan men is high and associated with sociodemographic and community factors. Innovative targeted awareness campaigns about the HIV risk and benefits of multiple HIV prevention services are needed for men aged 18–24 years, those from certain tribes, regions, and with multiple sex partners. However, stakeholders may need to involve and incorporate cultural and religious leaders to raise awareness about the benefits of HIV prevention services and ensure their accessibility. There is a need to incorporate gender-transformative messaging in HIV outreach programs and mass media to promote HIV service use among men. The government of Kenya should implement region-specific interventions, including mobile clinics and culturally sensitive health promotion, to strengthen community health systems in underserved regions.