The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #71013

Lauren K. Gooden, MPH, CHES¹, Lisa R. Metsch, PhD¹, and Brad Wohler-Torres, MS². (1) Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1801 NW 9th Ave., 3rd floor (D-93), Miami, FL 33136, 305-243-6350, lgooden@med.miami.edu, (2) Florida Cancer Data System, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1550 NW 10th Ave., Fox Building, Room 410, Miami, FL 33136

Background: Physicians serving HIV-positive patients are in prime positions to decrease transmission of HIV by recommending protective behaviors, including use of female condoms. We conducted a mail survey of all HIV primary care physicians in three South Florida Counties investigating factors influencing their decision to recommend female condom use to their HIV+ patients.

Methods: Physicians were asked if they recommended using a female condom during intercourse to their HIV+ patients. Bivariate analyses identified variables associated with physicians’ “very often” recommending use of female condoms.

Results: Univariate analysis indicates that only 22.6% of physicians “very often” recommend that their HIV+ patients use female condoms. Bivariate analyses reveal that Non-White physicians (58.3%) are more likely to recommend use of female condoms (p < 0.003). Physicians who feel encouraged by their clinic administrator(s) to provide HIV transmission risk reduction counseling (TRRC) are more likely to recommend use of female condoms (p < 0.01). Although not statistically significant, 1) having received formal training on assessing patients for sexual risk factors; (2) having received formal training on HIV TRRC; and (3) feeling encouraged by clinic administrator(s) to provide TRRC are associated with recommending use of female condoms.

Conclusions: Few HIV primary care physicians are recommending use of female condoms to their HIV+ patients. Considering the recent increase in the U.S. HIV/AIDS incidence and rise in heterosexual transmission, these findings are alarming. Interventions and policy implementation should target HIV primary care providers to develop, increase and improve the delivery of HIV prevention messages to their patients.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• List at least two factors associated with physicians recommending the female condom to their HIV-positive patients.
• List the two types of formal training that physicians received which were associated with their recommending the female condom to their HIV-positive patients.

Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.