(P306-LB) HIV PrEP-ARER: HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Access Retention and Education Research Among General Practitioners in Paris, France

Background: In June 2021, the French Ministry of Health authorized general practitioners (GPs) to initiate HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, PrEP implementation in this setting remains a challenge with very limited work centered on French GP knowledge and attitudes. We completed a pilot PrEP self-assessment of GPs as part of an ongoing multicenter study evaluating the initiation and retention of PrEP by GPs in Paris.

Methods: An anonymous, web-based survey was sent by email to all members of a GP network in the 10^th and 18^th Paris arrondissements to assess their awareness, interest, and confidence in PrEP prescription. Respondents also completed a validated 19-item true/false knowledge scale regarding PrEP and HIV risk. Basic demographics and medical practice information were also collected.

Results: Out of 150 GPs reached, 29 indicated interest in participating and 25 completed the survey. Most identified as cis-gender women (88%) and heterosexual (96%); 28% reported large outpatient practices of >800 patients. All respondents were aware of PrEP; 28% self-reported very good or excellent PrEP knowledge, 80% reported ever prescribing PrEP, and 92% reported interest in prescribing PrEP. The most common barriers to PrEP prescription were limited knowledge and unclear process for urgent HIV referrals reported by 28% and 36% of respondents, respectively. Forty-four percent of GPs felt very or completely confident prescribing PrEP while 20% felt confident educating their colleagues about PrEP. Regarding other related health conditions, GPs were more confident in managing contraception (52%) and sexually transmitted infections (40%) rather than proctitis (20%), substance use (8%), and chemsex (4%). The HIV/PrEP knowledge scale mean was 85.9% (SD = 8.6%) corresponding to an average of 16.2 items correct out of 19 (median = 17).

Conclusions: This is the first study in Paris to assess PrEP knowledge and attitudes of GPs since they were given full prescription authorization. We identified high interest and sound knowledge base in PrEP prescription. However, managing some health conditions specific to PrEP users may represent a potential barrier for some GPs. Further exploration of such unique regional and individual challenges of GPs is critical to expanding PrEP access in France.