Knowledge and attitudes of Victorian medical practitioners in relation to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Abstract

A stratified random sample of Victorian medical practitioners was surveyed to determine doctors' knowledge of and attitudes to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The results of this survey have shown that the knowledge level of a representative sample of medical practitioners in Victoria about AIDS was satisfactory at the beginning of a continuing educational campaign. The knowledge level varied according to the age of the doctor and the specialty of medicine that was practised. Attitudes towards and management practice of AIDS varied according to the specialty and rarely correlated with the knowledge level of the doctor. The majority of doctors who were surveyed had already received queries about AIDS from their patients, and over 90% of doctors thought that medical practitioners have a role to play in educating and counselling patients about AIDS (including preventive measures). In addition, the majority of doctors were receptive to receiving more information about AIDS.