[Attitude and knowledge on AIDS at a maternity unit in Santiago de Chile]

An inquest to determine the degree of knowledge they have, was done among 27 physicians (obstetricians-gynecologist), 36 midwives and 47 assistants of infirmary in a maternity of Santiago. The following items where included: definition of concept, general knowledge, ways of transmission, prevention and treatment, communication and educational means, recommendations, comments, suggestions and specific knowledge. We proved that even though the general knowledge is apparently good for physicians, midwives and assistants of infirmary, they don't have adequate knowledge of the mechanisms of transmission of AIDS, of its prevention and no specific knowledge. They do have wrong ideas upon the topic. This lack is evident in assistants of infirmary and in a less degree in midwives and physicians. Considering that the group to be studied works in the specific health area dealing with gynecology and obstetrics, it is expected that they have a high grade of knowledge in relation with AIDS, due to the fact that they are a group of high risk in getting the disease and that they are a multiplicator factor of education among the population. This makes necessary to give periodic training courses and to reinforce the knowledge of such personnel.