Statewide Provider HIV Prevention and Care Survey

Abstract

Abstract: According to the State of Nebraska Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Plan 2017-2021, a total of 2,217 persons were living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWH/HIV) at the end of 2015 in Nebraska. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 15% of the 1.1 million people in the U.S. currently living with HIV are unaware that they have this infection suggesting that an additional 332 persons are in Nebraska who are not aware (DHHS, 2019). A new initiative has been proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to reduce numbers of incident infections by 75% within 5 years and then by 90% within 10 years using a cross agency shared agenda. Central to this effort is active engagement with city, county, and state public health departments (Fauci, 2019).The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) has set a priority to implement new, innovative strategies and methods to prevent new cases of HIV in Nebraska, as well as supporting PLWH with access to medical care and other support services to ensure an enhanced quality of life (Williams TL, 2016). To achieve this outcome, the NDHHS seeks to gain greater insights into the primary care practices in Nebraska, to target the development of these strategies for optimal effectiveness. The purpose of this project is to conduct an HIV prevention and care comprehensive statewide survey of primary care providers and infectious disease specialists to inform NDHHS about: (1) baseline data describing primary care and infectious disease practices and attitudes about HIV care and prevention, and (2) interpret the data to prepare NDHHS to support local community health care delivery system improvements for HIV-positive individuals or those at an increased risk for HIV infection across Nebraska. This is the final report describing the survey administration, analysis, and findings.