PrEP University: A Multi-Disciplinary University-Based HIV Prevention Education Program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Public Health

Background:

• The advent of emtricitabine/tenofovir diphosphate (FTC/TDF) for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) necessitates clear prescribing guidelines and comprehensive provider education.
• Existing knowledge gaps among medical trainees regarding PrEP present a barrier to its effective implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot an HIV Prevention Education Program, "PrEP University" (PrEP U), designed to address knowledge deficits in HIV prevention among medical trainees.
• To assess awareness of PrEP and measure the impact of the educational program on trainees' knowledge.

Main Methods:

• A total of 198 medical trainees, including medical students and postgraduate residents in internal medicine, family medicine, OBGYN, and pharmacy, participated in PrEP U.
• An anonymous 5-question multiple-choice test was administered before and after the educational lectures to evaluate knowledge acquisition.
• Pre-program assessment revealed that 27% of participants were unaware of PrEP, and 8% were unsure of its existence.

Main Results:

• Significant knowledge increases were observed in OBGYN (2.3 to 3.8, p < 0.001), pharmacy (1.4 to 2.5, p = 0.012), and medical students (3.3 to 4.4, p < 0.001).
• A positive trend in knowledge improvement was noted in family medicine (2.7 to 3.7, p = 0.067) and internal medicine (2.7 to 3.4, p = 0.068).
• The HIV Prevention Education Program was successfully delivered to nearly 200 participants, leading to enhanced understanding of HIV prevention and PrEP.

Conclusions:

• The piloted HIV Prevention Education Program effectively improved knowledge of HIV prevention and PrEP among diverse medical trainees.
• Pharmacists and OBGYN physicians are identified as key groups with an increasing role in PrEP utilization.
• Replication of similar educational programs in other medical institutions is recommended to ensure future healthcare professionals are proficient in prescribing PrEP.