A survey of physicians' knowledge and application of AIDS prevention capabilities

Currently, no effective immunization prevents AIDS and no curative treatment exists for the AIDS patient. However, sufficient knowledge of the pathophysiology of this disease exists to prevent its spread. Effective application of this capability requires that health care providers secure and apply this knowledge. This study reports the results of a national survey of family physicians' knowledge and application of AIDS prevention capabilities. The Comprehensive Prevention Knowledge Applications Survey Instrument was used for the survey. It revealed that, in contrast to other prevention activities, respondents (n = 765) reported low use of practices important in AIDS prevention. For example, only 18% routinely obtain sexual histories from patients seen regularly, and, of those obtaining these histories, fewer than 20% routinely obtain information regarding high-risk activities. Over 40% do not routinely ask about homosexual activities, and almost 60% omit questions about intravenous drug use, even though the patient has symptoms suggesting AIDS in both instances. Methods of enhancing application of available capabilities may focus on expanded education and intervention activities.