This study aimed to evaluate students’ understanding of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at a higher education institution (HEI) in the Western Cape, South Africa, using selected episodes from the MTV Shuga series.

Most of the 59 participants (aged 17 to 24) spoke IsiXhosa and were first-year students. Participants completed an online pre-questionnaire before viewing two episodes of MTV Shuga Down South 2, answering four questions, and concluding with a post-questionnaire.

The findings revealed moderate PrEP awareness but limited depth of understanding, particularly about access. Initially, only 6,8% agreed on knowing where to obtain PrEP, increasing to 45,8% post-viewing. This suggests that even with a few episodes, MTV Shuga can enhance knowledge. Respondents displayed positive attitudes to PrEP usage and expressed interest in recommending the series for its portrayal of youth life in South Africa, notably regarding HIV.

The recommendations included bolstering PrEP awareness and accessibility in the institution by collaborating across departments and integrating MTV Shuga into existing HIV prevention programmes to broaden outreach to young people.