Related Experiment Videos
Primary care physicians and AIDS. Attitudinal and structural barriers to care
B Gerbert1, B T Maguire, T Bleecker
1School of Dentistry, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0754.
JAMA
|November 27, 1991
Summary
Primary care physicians increasingly treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, but negative attitudes and perceived lack of knowledge create barriers to comprehensive HIV care.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Public health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic necessitates broad physician involvement in patient care.
- Primary care physicians play a crucial role in managing chronic conditions, including HIV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of primary care physician involvement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care.
- To identify barriers encountered by physicians in providing HIV treatment.
Main Methods:
- A national random-sample mailed survey was conducted in 1990.
- The survey targeted 2004 US general internists, family physicians, and general practitioners, achieving a 59% response rate.
Main Results:
- 75% of physicians had treated at least one HIV-infected patient.
- While 68% felt a responsibility to treat HIV patients, 50% would avoid it if given a choice.
- Over 80% reported insufficient information and perceived time demands, with significant discomfort regarding homosexuals (35%) and intravenous drug users (55%).
Conclusions:
- Many primary care physicians are actively engaged in HIV care, demonstrating professional responsibility.
- Attitudinal barriers, including stigma and perceived lack of knowledge, impede some physicians from providing optimal HIV treatment.