Physician practices and attitudes on HIV-related issues: a survey of LSMS primary care physicians

In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of HIV/AIDS patients in Louisiana. Despite this increase, there has been little investigation of physician perceptions of (1) the adequacy of treatment or (2) attitudes toward general HIV related issues. A study of LSMS primary care members (n = 470) indicated that most had not treated a HIV-infected or AIDS patient although the vast majority would readily do so. Reluctance was related to concern over scientific knowledge rather than any bias against such patients. Among physicians treating such patients, there was strong concern over availability of adequate hospitalization and home health care.