Is U=U consistently known and implemented? A survey among different medical specialists in Brazil

Abstract

Despite solid scientific evidence, the concepts of treatment as prevention (TASP) and Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) remain unfamiliar and underutilized for some healthcare providers. We conducted a self-completion survey to evaluate the knowledge of TASP/U = U in different medical specialties. Wilcoxon Rank-Sum, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used for group comparisons and a logistic regression model was used to assess factors independently associated with U = U-non-supportive attitudes. 197 physicians were included; 74% agreed/strongly agreed that people living with HIV (PLHIV) under regular treatment with undetectable viral do not transmit HIV sexually. However, only 66% agree/strongly agree that PLHIV should be informed about that. The knowledge about these concepts was poorer among gynecologists, urologists and internal medicine specialists when compared to infectious diseases specialists after adjustment for age, race/skin color, gender, and sexual orientation. Our study found that knowledge of crucial concepts of HIV prevention may be lacking for some medical specialties. This highlights the need of improvement in medical education.