title: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Acceptability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis among Individuals Living with HIV in an Urban HIV Clinic.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective tool to reduce HIV transmission. The primary objective of this study was to assess awareness of PrEP by individuals living with HIV (HIV+) and acceptance of its use for their HIV negative (HIV-) partners.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross sectional survey was conducted among individuals living with HIV who received care at an urban HIV clinic between January 2013 and June 2013. The survey examined knowledge, attitudes, and acceptability of PrEP, and perception of transmission risk of HIV. Chi-Square test and Fisher's Exact test were used to compare proportions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 206 subjects living with HIV, 15.3% (32) had heard of PrEP. Men who have sex with men (MSM) were more likely to be aware of PrEP than all others (p = 0.003). Once educated about PrEP those who believed PrEP would reduce their partner's risk for HIV were more likely to recommend PrEP to their partner (p<0.001). 92% of all respondents said they would be "extremely likely/likely" to discuss PrEP use with their provider. Of 159 subjects whose main partner was HIV-, MSM (p = 0.007), male participants (p = 0.044), and those who were consistently taking meds (p = 0.049) were more likely to be aware of PrEP. Those who perceived they were at risk of transmitting HIV (p<0.001) and those who were consistently taking meds (0.049) were more likely to agree that PrEP could reduce the risk of HIV to their partners.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study illustrates a low awareness of PrEP but once educated the willingness of a cohort of individuals living with HIV to recommend PrEP to their partners. Our findings demonstrate the importance of providers informing their patients living with HIV about PrEP, as these persons are an underutilized link to support the uptake of PrEP by their HIV- partners.
authors: Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America.
authors: Jenani Sarah
authors: JS
authors: Jayakumaran
authors: Department of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America.
authors: Erika
authors: E
authors: Aaron
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America.
authors: Ed J
authors: EJ
authors: Gracely
authors: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America.
authors: Emily
authors: E
authors: Schriver
authors: Department of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America.
authors: Zsofia
authors: Z
authors: Szep
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D002947:Cities; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D065129:Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires