HIV infection and community midwives: knowledge and attitudes

Findings from two sample surveys of community midwives in Scotland and England (N = 907) during 1988 reveal that there is limited knowledge about many aspects of HIV infection. Respondents were themselves concerned about their lack of experience and knowledge as well as the availability of resources for HIV infection. There were also substantial educational concerns. More than a quarter of respondents felt that they should have the right to refuse to care for HIV-infected patients and the majority felt that health professional who are most at risk of contact with HIV-infected materials should be informed of patients' HIV-antibody status without patient consent. Recommendations are made regarding ways of increasing community midwives' knowledge and confidence.