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Family physicians' support for school-based HIV prevention education programs
J G Ryan1, G C Fowler, L A Aday
1Department of Family Practice and Community Medicine, University of Texas-Houston Medical School.
Archives of Family Medicine
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Family physicians strongly support school-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) education programs for adolescents. They are willing to endorse these programs, including those with condom availability, to prevent HIV infection.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Sexually active adolescents face significant risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- School-based HIV education programs are effective in preventing infection among adolescents.
- Family physicians' involvement in designing and implementing these vital programs is often limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the level of support among family physicians for school-based HIV education programs.
- To assess family physicians' willingness to participate in HIV prevention efforts for adolescents.
Main Methods:
- A systematic random sample of 2660 American Academy of Family Physicians members was surveyed via mail.
- The questionnaire assessed clinical experiences with HIV, willingness to provide HIV treatment, and support for school-based HIV education.
- Response rate was 63.7%, with poststratification weights applied.
Main Results:
- Overwhelming positive support for school-based HIV counseling programs (mean 1.28).
- Marginally less favorable attitudes towards programs including condom availability (mean 1.92).
- Residency-trained and female physicians showed greater support; those comfortable with HIV care and discussing sexuality were more supportive.
Conclusions:
- Family physicians are crucial allies for designing and implementing HIV education programs.
- Physicians are likely to endorse school-based HIV prevention, including condom availability.
- Health authorities should involve family physicians in planning community-based HIV education initiatives.