Jimu, ChristopherNyamaruze, PatrickMoyo, Freely TanatswaMakaye, Jeriphanos2025-10-152025Christopher Jimu, Patrick Nyamaruze, Freely Tanatswa Moyo & Jeriphanos Makaye (01 Jul 2025): Understanding barriers to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among young people in Lower Gweru, Zimbabwe. A qualitative study, Journal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services, DOI: 10.1080/15381501.2025.2524681.1538-1501 (print)1538-151X (online)10.1080/15381501.2025.2524681http://hdl.handle.net/2263/104700DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : Data is available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective strategy for preventing HIV infection when taken as prescribed. Most studies have focused on adult populations and other vulnerable groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) while few studies have explored the barriers young people face toward PrEP uptake yet they contribute a worrying percentage of new infections and HIV related deaths. We conducted 17 in-depth interviews with young people aged 15–24 years and key informants in Lower Gweru, Zimbabwe. Findings highlighted that young people face numerous barriers such as fear of side effects, pill burden, and lack of PrEP awareness. We concluded that addressing challenges to PrEP uptake requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving accessibility and education, as well as addressing cultural and social barriers. Implementing these recommendations can significantly enhance PrEP uptake, ultimately contributing to national HIV prevention goals and better health outcomes for young populationsen© 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. This is an electronic version of an article published in Journal of HIV/AIDS and Social Services, vol. , no. , pp. . 2025. doi : 10.1080/15381501.2025.2524681. Journal of HIV/AIDS and Social Services is available online at : https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/whiv20.Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)HIV infectionHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Men who have sex with men (MSM)ZimbabweLower GweruYoung peopleUnderstanding barriers to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among young people in Lower Gweru, Zimbabwe. A qualitative studyPostprint Article