Attitude of primary care personnel towards HIV infection. Results of a survey

To evaluate the understanding, previous experience and attitudes of Primary Care (PC) staff regarding the Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to identify the preferred care environment for these patients. An observation study of a crossover type done by filling in a questionnaire. Nine Primary Ca...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAtención primaria Vol. 13; no. 9; p. 484
Main Authors Chamorro, J, Valpuesta, Y, Eiros, J M, Moreno, L, González, I, Martín, C, Arias, J R, Rodríguez, J, Del Pozo, M A
Format Journal Article
LanguageSpanish
Published Spain 31.05.1994
Subjects
Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
HIV Infections
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Primary Health Care
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Summary:To evaluate the understanding, previous experience and attitudes of Primary Care (PC) staff regarding the Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to identify the preferred care environment for these patients. An observation study of a crossover type done by filling in a questionnaire. Nine Primary Care centres in the province of Valladolid. Random sample of the staff of the PC teams at the above-mentioned centres. Questionnaires returned by 174 health-workers, averaging 34.5 years old, were studied. 61.49% evaluated their own knowledge as acceptable, though all those surveyed wished to broaden their information concerning HIV infection. 71.83% had cared for under 5 patients in the previous ten years. 20.69% would refuse to look after these patients. There was a significant link between professionals' attitudes and the variables of age and their particular professional activity. 80.23% chose a single location as their preferred option for care, the majority in special centres. The knowledge that Primary Care health staff have about HIV infection does not seem to come from their experience in handling these patients. To achieve a greater commitment of the PC professional to caring for these patients, it would be necessary to offer specific clinical, epidemiological and preventive training and provide the requisite funds and resources. These kinds of study are a contribution to the widening of the documentation on the level of knowledge and attitudes towards HIV infection and their handling by professionals working in PC teams.
ISSN:0212-6567