Addressing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Awareness and Knowledge Gaps Among Lebanese Medical Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: In Lebanon, HIV prevalence among key populations such as men who have sex with men is high at 12%, warranting a need for targeted healthcare efforts. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention measure, yet global challenges persist, including limited awareness of PrEP among healthcare professionals. This study investigates PrEP awareness within the Lebanese medical community.

Methods: A survey targeted 201 participants from the Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Faculty of Medicine, comprising students, residents, and physicians. Analyses, including chi-square tests, mid-P exact test, and point-biserial correlation, assessed PrEP knowledge and perceptions.

Results: Significant disparities in PrEP awareness were noted among medical students, residents, and physicians, revealing misconceptions about its purpose, administration, and effectiveness. Positive correlations between age and awareness among medical students suggest evolving awareness during medical education. Residents exhibited higher awareness compared to physicians, emphasizing the impact of recent training. No significant correlation based on specialty was found among physicians, indicating the need for uniform PrEP education across all medical fields.

Conclusion: Addressing PrEP awareness gaps among medical professionals is crucial for effective HIV prevention in Lebanon, necessitating tailored educational strategies integrated into medical curricula and ongoing professional development.