Pediatric primary care providers in Philadelphia: An assessment of HIV testing and prevention education practices, barriers to care delivery, and HIV awareness
Date
2008
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Producer
Director
Performer
Choreographer
Costume Designer
Music
Videographer
Lighting Designer
Set Designer
Crew Member
Funder
Rehearsal Director
Concert Coordinator
Advisor
Moderator
Panelist
Alternative Title
Department
Haverford College. Independent College Programs
Type
Thesis
Original Format
Running Time
File Format
Place of Publication
Date Span
Copyright Date
Award
Language
eng
Note
Table of Contents
Terms of Use
Rights Holder
Access Restrictions
Open Access
Terms of Use
Tripod URL
Identifier
Abstract
Objectives. To determine the extent of HIV prevention education and HIV testing delivered to adolescents (ages 13-21); to determine clinician-identified barriers to their delivery of HIV care to adolescents; and to determine clinicians' awareness of HIV standards of care, rapid testing technology, and common HIV transmission modes. Design. A voluntary, confidential, self-report questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 134 pediatric primary care providers (PCPs). Sample design utilized provider contact information from eight Internet-based health care directory websites. Participants. Pediatric PCPs (MDs, DOs, PAs, and NPs) in Philadelphia. Results. The 36 respondents discussed HIV prevention with 66% of their patients and offered HIV testing to 45%. Time constraints and Pennsylvania-mandated pre/post-test counseling and separate written consent were commonly identified barriers to HIV care delivery. Provider awareness of CDC recommendations for routine HIV testing was significantly related to more frequent care delivery, yet many clinicians were unaware of current standards of HIV care. Limitations. The sample was modest in size and convenient in nature. As such, results may not be generally applicable to all pediatric PCPs in Philadelphia. Conclusions. Numerous opportunities for HIV testing and prevention education are missed by pediatric PCPs. The reconciliation of CDC HIV testing recommendations and Pennsylvania's Confidentiality of HIV-Related Information Act (Act 148) may alleviate several provider-identified barriers to care delivery. Educational initiatives for pediatric PCPs regarding HIV testing and HIV prevention education should be developed and implemented.