A cross-sectional survey of general practitioner knowledge, attitudes, and clinical experience of HIV PrEP

Abstract

Abstract Aim Norway’s health scheme provides no-cost HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) when prescribed by a specialist, typically preceded by a general practitioner’s (GP) referral. The GP perspective with regard to PrEP implementation in Norway has yet to be captured. Subject and methods We explored PrEP knowledge, attitudes, and clinical experience of GPs in the Norwegian capital of Oslo, where HIV incidence and PrEP demand are highest. An anonymous survey was designed and distributed between November 2019 and February 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants of GPs’ previous clinical PrEP experience (PrEP adoption). Results One hundred and seventeen GPs responded to the survey. GP PrEP adopters were more likely to: identify as men (aOR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0–4.5); identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) (aOR 4.4; 95% CI: 1.4–14.5); have ≥ 10 LGB identifying patients on their list (aOR 4.4; 95% CI:1.8–10.4); and self-report higher levels of PrEP knowledge (aOR 2.4; 95% CI: 1.3–4.4). Conclusion Our findings suggest that GP PrEP knowledge is crucial to patient PrEP access. Educational interventions ought to be considered to enhance GP PrEP adoption capacities, such as easy-to-access PrEP guidelines and peer-based training opportunities in both online and in-person formats.