Knowledge and attitudes about AIDS among first- and second-year medical students

Several studies have concluded that many physicians may harbor fearful and prejudicial attitudes toward AIDS patients and may lack the skills necessary to respond to the growing number of patients with AIDS. The authors surveyed 73 preclinical medical students at Eastern Virginia Medical School of the Medical College of Hampton Roads concerning their knowledge of and attitudes about AIDS, before and after a 6-hour training workshop. The same survey was completed by 49 students who did not participate in the workshop. Significant knowledge gains were recorded by first-year participating students and for all participants as a group. Neither group of students revealed discriminatory attitudes toward AIDS patients. The use of voluntary training programs to teach medical students about AIDS and the responsibilities of providing care to AIDS patients may be an effective method for educators.