KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF PROFESSIONALS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE ON COMBINED HIV PREVENTION

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a global public health problem. Combined Prevention (CP) aims to reduce new infections by combining different behavioral, structural and biomedical strategies, which need to be disseminated by healthcare professionals working in Primary Health Care (PHC). Objective: To assess the knowledge and perceptions of PHC professionals in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, regarding Combined HIV Prevention. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of professionals working in PHC of Porto Alegre and was selected by convenience. Data were collected through a questionnaire on the Google Forms platform, with 16 closed-ended questions addressing CP and HIV, prevention methods, user guidance, and perceptions on the topic. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed, covering sociodemographic, professional training, and work-related variables. Results: A total of 145 professionals participated in the study (response rate of 4.1%), with a mean age of 34 years (SD=10.7). The majority were white (73.8%), cisgender heterosexual women (80.0%), had higher education (71%), and complementary training (77.2%). About 60% of the professionals had been working in PHC for five years or less, and 46.2% had outsourced employment contracts. Regarding knowledge of CP methods, most professionals reported having knowledge to provide guidance on condom use (90.3%) and regular testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (82.7%). About 50% of professionals reported having knowledge to provide guidance on pre-and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP and PEP, respectively), and 52.4% of professionals had attended a course or training on CP. Conclusion: The implementation of Combined HIV Prevention in PHC is essential to reduce virus transmission. It is recommended to develop actions to enhance the qualification of PHC professionals for prescribing prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP), including the training of multipliers.