Knowledge of pharmacy students regarding HIV/AIDS: A cross-sectional survey

Pharmacy students play a crucial role in addressing the HIV epidemic; therefore, it is essential that they develop a thorough understanding of HIV/AIDS. In Brazil, knowledge about HIV/AIDS has been explored among health students, however research with pharmacy students is limited.

To assess the knowledge of pharmacy students concerning HIV/AIDS at a large university in Brazil.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and November 2023 among undergraduate Pharmacy students at a Federal University in Southeastern Brazil. The students were invited to complete the 12-item HIV/AIDS Knowledge Assessment Tool (HIV-KA) and provide demographic and educational data. The HIV-KA total score was calculated by summing all correct responses, ranging from 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee (Protocol No. 5.995.451).

A total of 215 pharmacy students completed the survey. The mean HIV-KA score was 10 (SD = 1.54, range: 3-12). The proportion of students deemed as having a high level of knowledge was 43.7 % (score ≥ 11), moderate level was 25.1 % (score = 10), and low level was 31.2 % (score ≤ 9). The items related to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and use of antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy had lower levels of correct answers. In the adjusted binary logistic regression analysis, internships and courses with HIV/AIDS-specific content were associated with higher knowledge levels among pharmacy students.

Overall, students showed moderate to high understanding of HIV/AIDS, but knowledge gaps were noted in areas like PrEP and antiretroviral use during pregnancy. Internships and HIV/AIDS-focused courses were key factors linked to higher knowledge levels.