[Attitude of primary care personnel towards HIV infection. Results of a survey].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the understanding, previous experience and attitudes of Primary Care (PC) staff regarding the Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and to identify the preferred care environment for these patients.


METHODS
An observation study of a crossover type done by filling in a questionnaire.


METHODS
Nine Primary Care centres in the province of Valladolid.


METHODS
Random sample of the staff of the PC teams at the above-mentioned centres.


RESULTS
Questionnaires returned by 174 health-workers, averaging 34.5 years old, were studied. 61.49% evaluated their own knowledge as acceptable, though all those surveyed wished to broaden their information concerning HIV infection. 71.83% had cared for under 5 patients in the previous ten years. 20.69% would refuse to look after these patients. There was a significant link between professionals' attitudes and the variables of age and their particular professional activity. 80.23% chose a single location as their preferred option for care, the majority in special centres.


CONCLUSIONS
The knowledge that Primary Care health staff have about HIV infection does not seem to come from their experience in handling these patients. To achieve a greater commitment of the PC professional to caring for these patients, it would be necessary to offer specific clinical, epidemiological and preventive training and provide the requisite funds and resources. These kinds of study are a contribution to the widening of the documentation on the level of knowledge and attitudes towards HIV infection and their handling by professionals working in PC teams.
Chamorro
J
J
Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario, Facultad de Medicina, Valladolid.
Valpuesta
Y
Y
Eiros
J M
JM
Moreno
L
L
González
I
I
Martín
C
C
Arias
J R
JR
Rodríguez
J
J
Del Pozo
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care
Actitud del personal sanitario de atención primaria ante la infección VIH. Resultados de una encuesta.