Research Symposium

BIO

I'm a third-year Biological Sciences major from South Florida with an interest to get a Master's in Public Health with a focus on Global Health and Infectious Diseases.

Analyzing Stereotypes for Low Prescription Rates of PrEP in Rural Honduras

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, more commonly referred to as HIV is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks itself. HIV is spread through the exchange of bodily fluids. An effective method for HIV prevention is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a prescribed pill people at risk can take to prevent HIV contraction from sex or injection drug use. However, the availability of PrEP in rural areas prevents citizens from being adequately protected. The low availability of PrEP in rural areas is due to several factors that ultimately affect increased HIV rates. This study aims to identify and analyze the central stereotypes in rural areas causing the low prescription rate of PrEP. Using this data, a survey was prepared to identify the prevalence of the researched stereotypes in rural Honduras. Questions aimed at gathering information about healthcare structure, education, and community were included. Surveys will be sent to Honduras to be filled out by healthcare workers. This data will further be compiled and analyzed to get a better understanding of the predominant stereotypes in rural Honduras. Ultimately, the goal is to place preventative measures for these barriers against the low PrEP prescription rate.

Keywords: global health, tropical medicine, HIV