Physicians' perceptions about increased glove-wearing in response to risk of HIV infection.
Glove-wearing attitudes of 375 physicians, representing 56% of all physicians surveyed, were ascertained. Although the majority were comfortable with their current glove use, 33% preferred wearing them more frequently. The most common reasons for not wearing gloves were a low likelihood of disease transmission and fear of offending patients. Many physicians felt that more frequent glove use in examining human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV)-positive patients might reduce rapport and diminish the adequacy of physical examination procedures, but only 11% felt that increased glove use would compromise overall care of HIV-positive patients. With regard to all patients, 33% felt that increased glove use in examinations would compromise care. Additionally, 56% of physicians stated that they were somewhat concerned about HIV infection. Glove-wearing preferences were significantly associated with greater concern about infection, a younger age and more frequent exposure to blood and body secretions. Contact with high-risk patient groups was not associated with glove-wearing preferences.
Linn
L S
LS
Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90024-1685.
Kahn
K L
KL
Leake
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002140:California; D005260:Female; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires