Update on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Awareness and Attitudes in Public Health Clinics in Southern Arizona - Abstract
Background: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake is low among women and Hispanic people in the United States. Methods: Between 11/2021 to 4/2022, questionnaires were administered to 578 adults and compared to data collected from 500 adults between 1/2018-6/2018 (Shende, 2020) attending public health clinics in Southern Arizona. Outcomes: PrEP awareness increased from 20% in 2018 to 50% in 2021-2022 (p < 0.001). However, willingness to engage in PrEP decreased from 87% in 2018 to 74% in 2021-2022 and acceptance of the required activities for daily PrEP, such as visiting provider and obtaining labs every three months, also decreased from 2018 to 2021-2022 (p < 0.001). In both 2018 and 2021-2022, there was a higher level of PrEP awareness in participants with ? 2 HIV risk score than those with a < 2 HIV risk score, and those with a high perceived HIV risk compared to those who had low perceived risk. (p < 0.001). In 2021-2022, there was no association with PrEP awareness and sexually transmitted infections in the last six months. The preferred method of PrEP was a pill taken every 28 days.Clinical implications: More effort needs to focus on education and acceptance of PrEP in sites that serve women, Hispanic adults, and heterosexuals. Strengths and limitations: The strengths of this study are the large group of heterosexuals, women, and Hispanic adults who participated. There is comparable data to monitor progress, and the questionnaires were offered in Spanish and English. Data are lacking in these populations. Limitations of the study were that not all questions were answered by all participants and that there was some differences in demographics between the participants in 2018
compared to 2021-2022. Conclusion: Continuing the search for newer methods of PrEP and novel ways to educate and distribute PrEP to underserved populations is a key component to ending HIV.