Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practices of Primary Care Physicians on HIV and PrEP: Challenges and Principles of PrEP...

Background/Objective: HIV remains a significant public health issue in Poland, with many diagnoses occurring at advanced stages due to the limited access to diagnostic tools in primary healthcare (PHC). General practitioners are crucial for early detection, but barriers such as the absence of rapid testing in PHC settings hinder a timely diagnosis. This study evaluates primary care physicians' knowledge of HIV diagnostics and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), focusing on their role in improving prevention and early detection. Material and Methods: This study used anonymous surveys distributed online and on paper to physicians in randomly selected primary care facilities across four Polish voivodeships. The data were analysed statistically to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to HIV diagnostics, rapid testing, and PrEP. Results: A total of 100 surveys were collected. A total of 83% of the physicians reported recommending HIV tests, although 17% had never done so, mainly among family medicine specialists. A total of 88% were aware of Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centres (VCTs), but 99% had never performed rapid HIV tests in their offices. Physicians with shorter professional experience (less than 10 years) demonstrated a significantly higher awareness of PrEP compared to that in those with longer experience (Fisher's test p = 0.35). Conclusions: Primary care physicians play a crucial role in HIV prevention, but limited access to diagnostic tools and systemic support hampers their effectiveness. Targeted education and a comprehensive program for STI and HIV prevention are needed to improve prevention efforts and early detection.