Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infection of medical providers at an academic center
Maude R., Volpe G., Stone D.
Abstract Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV infection is available for people at risk of acquiring HIV infection and who are not positive for HIV infection. It is proven to be effective at preventing HIV infection in many studies in various populations. However, due to lack of knowledge or due to attitudes towards PrEP, this mode of prevention may be underutilized by people at risk and their providers. Our aim is to assess the baseline knowledge of, attitudes towards and practice of medical providers at Tufts Medical Center. Methods survey of 80 medical providers at Tufts Medical Center with a short questionnaire. Results The median age of the participants were 31 years old (IQR 28–34.5, range 22–71). 38.75% were male. Ethnicity were White (60%), Asian (20%), and others (20%). Fifty-five percent were Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic (MD/DO), 20% Physician assistant (PA), 8.75% Registered nurse (RN) and 7.5% were medical students. Other groups included Nurse practicioner (NP), medical assistant, research coordinator and PA student. Knowledge. Approximately two-third (67.5%) of study participants heard of PREP. In MD/DO group, 81.81% (36/44) heard about PREp. 46.26% responded correctly that PREP should be given daily. 68.75% answered correctly that Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine (TDF/FTC; Truvada) is the standard regimen. Attitude. 31.81% of the MD/DO group were not comfortable prescribing PREP. Top three barriers perceived for prescribing PREP were “Not enough knowledge” 72.5%; “Lack of experience” 56.25% and “Not covered by insurance” 17.5%. Practice. Of 61 participants who are eligible to prescribe medications (MD/DO, PA, NP), 15.27% prescribed PREP prior to the survey. Over 75% would refer patients to infectious diseases or other providers to prescribe PREP. Conclusion There are some knowledge and practice gap of PREP. Most are not comfortable prescribing PREP thus will refer patients to infectious diseases. It is essential to promote knowledge and attitude about PREP in medical providers who have an important role in advising at-risk patients about PrEP which will lead to a better practice. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.