Factors Related to Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Prescription by U.S. Primary Care Physicians

Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) greatly reduces risk of HIV infection in HIV-negative individuals, use is not widespread enough to impact HIV incidence. Involvement of primary care physicians (PCPs) in PrEP prescription is essential, but previous research has shown low rates of prescription among PCPs. To identify targets for interventions, the information-motivation-behavioral skills model for PrEP discussion and prescription was tested in a ten-city sample of PCPs.

PCPs from ZIP codes with high HIV incidence in ten U.S. cities (N=280, 52% male, 56% white) completed a survey online between July 2014 and May 2015. Information items assessed knowledge, motivation items evaluated attitudes, and behavioral skills items measured comfort with behaviors involved in prescribing PrEP. Providers indicated whether they had discussed PrEP with or prescribed PrEP to patients. Data were analyzed in 2015 and 2016.

One third of PCPs had discussed and 17% had prescribed PrEP. A structural equation model with good fit supported the information-motivation-behavioral skills model. Information and motivation predicted behavioral skills (b=0.35, 95% CI=0.13, 0.57; and b=0.31, 95% CI=0.14, 0.47, respectively). Behavioral skills predicted prescription (b=0.27, 95% CI=0.12, 0.42). Furthermore, behavioral skills mediated effects of information and motivation on prescription (b=0.10, 95% CI=0.03, 0.19; and b=0.08, 95% CI=0.03, 0.16, respectively).

The information-motivation-behavioral skills model can be applied to PCPs' PrEP discussion and prescription. Its constructs represent potential targets for PCP-directed interventions to increase PrEP use in high-risk populations.