AIDS and Austrian physicians

Physicians have key roles both in treating disease and educating their patients about health and disease-related issues. To assess which factors correlate with Austrian physician's willingness to treat and educate patients about HIV-related risk behaviors and deal with AIDS issues, we conducted a survey of general practitioners, internists, and dermatologists in Graz, Austria. We report on some aspects of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of these physicians. Factor analysis revealed two attitudinal components significantly associated with HIV-related practices of the respondents. We labeled these components Reluctance and Infection. "Reluctance" reflected discomfort with sex-related matters and was associated with less HIV counseling and less interest in HIV-related continuing medical education. "Infection" reflected a fear of contracting HIV disease and was positively associated with an increased assessment of different risk factors and a tendency to refer HIV-infected patients for all further treatment. Results suggest that physicians need further training in their ability to deal with HIV issues. Fortunately they seem willing to improve and take further training to do so. Patients, physicians, and the public would all benefit from acknowledging and dealing with the attitudes and needs of physicians toward HIV-related issues.