Pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness and HIV/AIDS healthcare provider conversations among Hispanic women

Introduction : Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective tool for HIV prevention, but awareness among Hispanic women remains low. Limited knowledge and a lack of healthcare provider (HCP) conversations about PrEP and HIV/AIDS continue to delay their access to PrEP. Methods : We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 986 Hispanic women aged 18–49 using data from the 2022–2023 National Survey of Family Growth. Weighted descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models examined the associations between sociodemographic factors, HIV risk behaviors, PrEP awareness, and HIV/AIDS-related HCP conversations. Results : Findings reveal that women with an associate or bachelor’s degree were 165% more likely to be aware of PrEP. In comparison, those with a graduate degree were 281% more likely compared to those with a high school education or less. Furthermore, discussions with HCPs about PrEP and HIV/AIDS were influenced by age and risky sexual behaviors, with each additional year of age increasing the likelihood of such conversations by 3%. Conclusion : To enhance PrEP awareness among Hispanic women, targeted education and outreach efforts are essential to overcoming cultural stigma and provider biases. Policy Implications: To reduce disparities in PrEP uptake, healthcare systems should implement culturally tailored education strategies, expand bilingual resources, and encourage HCPs to initiate PrEP discussions during routine care. Such interventions are critical for advancing equity in HIV prevention and achieving the national goal of reducing new HIV infections.