title: Impact of human immunodeficiency virus on medical and surgical residents.
abstract: BACKGROUND--Previous surveys of resident physicians on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) matters have tended to focus on urban programs serving a patient population with an expected high prevalence of HIV infection. The objective of this study was to survey a community hospital residency program in a nonurban area with a perceived low HIV patient seroprevalence. METHODS--A 32-question survey was completed on an anonymous basis by the entire 74 member multidisciplinary resident physician group at a two-campus university-affiliated hospital program in southeastern Pennsylvania in May 1991. RESULTS--Residents perceived their patient population's HIV seroprevalence rate to be low although they believed their personal risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne infection was moderate to high. House staff most often complied with universal precautions for fear of acquiring a blood-borne illness and most often did not comply because of time constraints. Not perceiving the exposure as a health risk was the primary reason for nonreporting of exposures. Occupational exposure rates were alarmingly high, with suturing using a curved needle being the most common exposure method. Most residents were unfamiliar with HIV legislation. A majority of the house staff wanted improved HIV patient management training and life and disability insurance against occupationally acquired HIV. Many other important issues were addressed in this survey. CONCLUSION--Residents even in low seroprevalence environments do fear occupationally acquired HIV. A great need exists for improved training in universal precautions, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome legislation, and HIV patient management as well as for insurance against occupationally acquired HIV.
authors.affiliation: Lehigh Valley Hospital, Epidemiology and Infection Control Section, Allentown, PA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hoffman-Terry
authors.forename: L V
authors.initials: LV
authors.lastname: Rhodes
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Reed
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003625:Data Collection; D013502:General Surgery; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011481:Protective Clothing; D011482:Protective Devices; D012307:Risk Factors; D016635:Universal Precautions