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Knowledge and attitudes about AIDS among first- and second-year medical students
J A Johnson1, A E Campbell, C H Toewe
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk 23501.
Summary
Medical training workshops significantly improved students' knowledge of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Post-training, neither participating nor non-participating students showed discriminatory attitudes toward AIDS patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Physicians may exhibit fear and prejudice towards patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Medical professionals may lack adequate skills to manage the increasing number of patients with AIDS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a training workshop on medical students' knowledge and attitudes regarding AIDS.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions in preparing future physicians for AIDS patient care.
Main Methods:
- A survey assessed knowledge and attitudes about AIDS in 73 preclinical medical students before and after a 6-hour training workshop.
- A control group of 49 students completed the same survey without workshop participation.
Main Results:
- Significant knowledge gains were observed in first-year students and the overall participant group.
- No discriminatory attitudes toward AIDS patients were detected in either the participating or control student groups.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary training programs can effectively enhance medical students' understanding of AIDS.
- Educational initiatives are crucial for equipping future physicians with the necessary knowledge and sensitivity for AIDS patient care.