Human immunodeficiency virus testing practices among buprenorphine-prescribing physicians.

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Public Health

Background:

• Annual human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is recommended for at-risk populations, including those with substance use disorders.
• Limited data exist on HIV testing practices among physicians who prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.
• Physicians prescribing buprenorphine are critical in identifying and managing HIV in a vulnerable patient group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the current HIV testing practices of physicians prescribing buprenorphine.
• To identify factors associated with HIV testing among these physicians.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional electronic survey was administered to physicians enrolled in a national buprenorphine-prescribing system.
• The survey collected data on physician demographics, training, practice characteristics, patient demographics, and screening practices, including HIV testing.
• Data were collected between July and August 2008 from 382 respondent physicians.

Main Results:

• Only 46% of surveyed physicians reported conducting HIV testing.
• Physicians who performed HIV testing were more likely to have addiction specialty training, practice in addiction settings, and treat a higher volume of buprenorphine patients.
• Physicians conducting HIV tests reported a lower proportion of white patients and fewer patients dependent on prescription opioids.

Conclusions:

• A significant gap exists in HIV testing among physicians prescribing buprenorphine.
• Targeted interventions are necessary to enhance HIV screening practices in this physician group.
• Improving HIV testing rates can contribute to better public health outcomes for patients with substance use disorders.