Bortolotti F, Noventa F, Stivanello A, Barbierato E, Francavilla G; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24; 8: 222 (abstract no. PuD 9138).
Clinica Medica 2, Padua, Italy.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding critical issues on the AIDS epidemic of undergraduate medical students attending the Medical School of Padua, an area with a high prevalence of seropositive drug abusers. METHODS: 114 medical students (51% female, mean age 25 years) in their 5th or 6th year completed a structured questionnaire while attending their courses (response rate 95%). The items explored knowledge and beliefs about transmission and prevention and attitudes towards caring for AIDS patients and coercive measures. RESULTS: Brochures had been the main source of AIDS information, but 79% of participants had received some training at separate courses during their curriculum (median cumulative duration of training: 4 hours). Less than 20% answered correctly all questions exploring transmission and prevention. Thirty-six% perceived to be at risk for HIV infection (only 32% had had contact with AIDS patients) but 74% believed that they could be at risk in the near future as physicians. None had modified their career choices for fear of AIDS and 86% would accept to take care of AIDS patients. Sixty-nine % of participants were willing to undergo HIV testing and 82% supported mandatory HIV test either in the whole population or in some risk groups, including drug abusers and health care professionals. CONCLUSION: Medical educators should promote greater AIDS knowledge among medical students, possibly combining training programs of separate courses. Perception of risk associated with the medical profession seems to have little influenced career decisions but supports a strong propensity for mandatory HIV screenings.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Attitude
- Career Choice
- Education, Medical, Undergraduate
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Education
- Health Personnel
- Humans
- Knowledge
- Questionnaires
- Specialties, Medical
- Students
- Students, Medical
- Students, Nursing
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102201820
From Meeting Abstracts