PrEP4Peds Evaluation: Making PrEP Available to Adolescents and Involving Young People in Evaluation

Abstract Information: Adolescents and young adults (aged 13–24 years old) accounted for 19% of new HIV infections in 2021 (CDC, 2023). Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is medication taken before HIV exposure to prevent HIV infection. Adolescents are eligible to take three PrEP medications that the FDA approved in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Updating pediatricians on currently available PrEP options could reduce new HIV infections. PrEP4Peds Training was developed to help pediatricians understand the 2021 CDC PrEP guidelines. PrEP4Peds Training was piloted with ten pediatricians at a clinic in preparation for rollout to three additional clinics. A formative evaluation answered the following questions: Main Question: How effective is the PrEP4Peds training for pediatricians? Sub-questions 1. To what extent did pediatricians feel comfortable discussing sexual health and PrEP with adolescent patients? 2. To what extent were pediatricians aware of PrEP prescription and referral options? 3. What additional resources would help pediatricians feel more supported with counseling or prescribing PrEP? 4. What was the most significant change in pediatricians’ practices due to training? The evaluation followed a utilization-focused approach. It used a mixed methods design with Likert-scale questions, open-ended survey questions, and a focus group discussion. This evaluation provided growth opportunities for members of a Youth Advisory Board (which provided some initial guidance), a high school student (who compiled historical data), and a medical student (who participated in all phases of the evaluation). The presentation will describe these growth opportunities in more detail and the evaluation results.