HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Knowledge, Familiarity, and Attitudes among Healthcare Professional Students

Abstract

Background The federal government’s plan to End the HIV Epidemic by 2030 includes a primary goal to reduce new HIV infections by 90 percent. One key contributor to this plan is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication taken by HIV-uninfected individuals to prevent infection. While knowledge and acceptance of PrEP among clinicians is growing, few studies have assessed knowledge and awareness among future healthcare professionals in academic training programs. Given the limited research on PrEP among healthcare professional students, a better understanding of knowledge and familiarity with PrEP prescription may inform the development of educational interventions targeting this population in an effort to increase implementation. The present study aimed to assess and compare healthcare trainees’ PrEP awareness, knowledge, and familiarity with prescription guidelines with a broad goal to better understand and prevent gaps in academic training regarding PrEP. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey of medical, nurse practitioner, and pharmacy students enrolled at two universities was conducted between October 2017-January 2018. The study assessed participants’ awareness, knowledge, and familiarity with PrEP prescribing guidelines and willingness to prescribe PrEP and refer to another healthcare provider. Results The survey was completed by 744 participants (overall response rate = 36.2%). There were significant differences among student groups in all domains. Pharmacy students had the greatest PrEP knowledge, awareness, and familiarity with prescribing guidelines. However, medical students reported the greatest comfort with performing PrEP-related clinical activities and willingness to refer a candidate to another provider. Greater familiarity with PrEP prescription guidelines was associated with willingness to prescribe the medication. Conclusions Healthcare professional students’ responses enhance our understanding of the relevant experiences and perspectives of future healthcare providers that influence their knowledge towards the promotion of PrEP through prescription and referral intentions. The gaps in students’ knowledge offer opportunities for the development of educational strategies to support HIV prevention among future healthcare professionals.

Awareness, knowledge and comfort of pharmacy students on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV prevention

“…In comparison, over half of the pharmacy students in this study identified appropriate regimens for PrEP and PEP (52.3% and 67.1%, respectively). Additionally, a higher percentage of pharmacy students in this study reported that they intended to counsel patients on PrEP or PEP (85% and 81%, respectively), which is consistent with a previous study indicating pharmacy students' high intention to counsel patients about PrEP (Przybyla et al, 2019). Pharmacy students in this study also reported higher levels of confidence regarding counselling patients on PrEP and PEP (48.8% and 29%, respectively).…”

“…(Przybyla et al, 2019). This study also found that familiarity with CDC PrEP guidelines was significantly associated with intent to counsel patients on PrEP (Przybyla et al, 2019). Similarly, a previous study among prescribers showed a positive association between PrEP knowledge and past and future rates of PrEP prescribing as well as future intent to prescribe PrEP (Blumenthal et al, 2015).…”

“…Responses to the survey highlight knowledge deficits in HIV transmission and prevention methods. (Przybyla et al, 2019). This study also found that familiarity with CDC PrEP guidelines was significantly associated with intent to counsel patients on PrEP (Przybyla et al, 2019).…”

“…In 2019, Przybyla and colleagues published a study on the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards PrEP among pharmacy students at the University of Buffalo School of Pharmacy in Buffalo, New York. The majority of students (91%) were aware of PrEP, and over half (61%) were familiar with CDC guidelines on prescribing PrEP (Przybyla et al, 2019). Increased PrEP knowledge, attitudes and familiarity with these guidelines were associated with confidence in counselling on PrEP (Przybyla et al, 2019 (Ajzen, 1991), which is the most appropriate theory to predict the clinical practice behaviour of healthcare professionals (Godin et al, 2008).…”