Understanding community pharmacist perceptions and knowledge about HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) therapy in a Mountain West state

Abstract Objectives Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) therapy is prescribed to HIV-negative individuals who are at high risk of contracting the virus to reduce the risk of transmission. Adherence to therapy is essential for optimal treatment outcome, and community pharmacists have an important role in achieving this through patient counseling. The objectives of this study were to measure pharmacists' actual knowledge about HIV PrEP therapy, perceptions about their HIV PrEP therapy knowledge, and intention to counsel patients about PrEP therapy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among community pharmacists in Utah to measure their actual knowledge and perceptions of knowledge about PrEP therapy based on the basic information from the Centers for Disease Control website. In addition, the pharmacist's intention to counsel patients on PrEP therapy was measured with the use of the validated Godin 12-item tool. Descriptive analyses and t tests identified characteristics based on gender, degree earned, and years of practice in pharmacy. Regression analysis determined significant predictors of the intention to counsel. Results There were 251 responses (75% PharmD, 61% male, 42% >10 years' experience as a pharmacist). An exploratory factor analysis of the Godin 12-item tool demonstrated 4 domains: beliefs about capabilities, social influence, moral norms, and intention to counsel patients. There was no difference in the intention to counsel based on gender. Pharmacists with a PharmD and less than 10 years of experience had significantly higher knowledge and intention to counsel. The actual knowledge score of the respondents was significantly higher than their perceptions of their knowledge. Multiple regression results showed that the beliefs about capabilities and social influence were significant predictors of intention to counsel. Conclusion Educating community pharmacists on PrEP therapy using pharmacists who are considered to be opinion leaders in the pharmacy profession can affect the social influence and beliefs about capabilities domains, which in turn can increase counseling on PrEP therapy.