title: Knowledge and attitudes towards AIDS among primary health care physicians in the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the knowledge and attitudes towards AIDS among practicing physicians in the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey was carried out among primary health care (PHC) physicians working in the 238 PHC centers in the region. Self administered questionnaires were distributed to the 361 physicians working in these centers. Three hundred and twenty-eight responded (90.1%) and were included in the study. Non-respondents were found not to differ significantly from respondents with regards to sex, age and qualifications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study revealed several gaps in their knowledge regarding AIDS. Of particular concern are those who are to be considered at high risk and models of transmission of the disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results indicate an urgent need to develop AIDS specific continuing medical education program to deal with erroneous ideas to convey the message properly to the public.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Abha Branch, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Mahfouz
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Alakija
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: al-Khozayem
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: al-Erian
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires