Healthcare providers’ knowledge, readiness, prescribing behaviors, and perceived barriers regarding routine HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis in DeLand, Florida

Abstract

Objectives: Florida ranks highest in the United States among newly diagnosed HIV infections. This ranking reflects the need for investigation of healthcare providers’ knowledge, readiness, prescribing behaviors, and perceived barriers to routine HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis. Methods: We adapted national questionnaires with questions co-developed with Florida Department of Health to form a 25-item instrument. Questionnaires were distributed to the population of eligible healthcare providers in DeLand, Florida. Results: Results from an approximate 20% response rate that encompasses 12 providers demonstrate baseline findings to inform future studies. For example, 75% of respondents were aware of FL Administrative Code 64D-3.042 that pregnant women should receive HIV testing during first and third trimesters. However, 50% of respondents rarely or never offer tests to pregnant women according to practice guidelines. About 75% of respondents strongly agree or agree with willingness to prescribe pre-exposure prophylaxis to high-risk patients, yet 8.3% always or very often prescribe pre-exposure prophylaxis. Conclusions: Results convey the importance of and need for greater collaboration between providers and the Florida Department of Health to enhance providers’ knowledge, readiness, and, ultimately, behaviors regarding routine HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis prescription.