Attitude of infectious diseases physicians in Turkey about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis: results of an online survey

Abstract

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the provision of antiretroviral drugs before HIV exposure to prevent infection for those in whom it is indicated. We conducted an online survey about PrEP in a national sample of infectious diseases physicians in Turkey. They were surveyed from March to April 2019 and they were asked about their attitudes, knowledge and clinical practise about PrEP. Overall, 209 of 2100 (10%) completed the survey, of whom 66.3% were female, 69.5% were specialist and 41.1% were working at education and research hospitals. Most of the participants reported their PrEP knowledge as ‘low’. Men who have sex with men was the most suitable group for PrEP according to participants. 27.9% of them were requested to prescribe PrEP which was to be paid by individuals themselves and 24.2% of the participants had recommended PrEP in their clinical practice. The primary concerns among those who would not recommend PrEP were the possible increase in sexually transmitted infections, the potential low cost-effectiveness of PrEP, the ineffectiveness of PrEP in HIV transmission and the time lost to following-up the individuals taking PrEP. Developing a national guideline would support clinicians in order to change their attitudes and to find answers to their concerns.