Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of obstetricians-gynecologists regarding the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus infection

Bradley O. Boekeloo, David L. Rabin, Steven S. Coughlin, Miriam H. Labbok, Jacqueline C. Johnson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To determine the knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and practices of obstetricians-gynecologists regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention. Methods: Office-based obstetricians-gynecologists in the Washington, DC metropolitan area who reported providing primary care were interviewed by telephone. The survey response rate was 62% (N = 268). Results: The percentages of obstetricians-gynecologists who reported regularly assessing the HIV risk of new adolescent and adult patients were 67 and 40%, respectively. Seventy-two percent reported regularly counseling patients at risk to use condoms for vaginal intercourse, and 60% regularly counseled patients at risk to limit their number of sexual partners. The level of general risk-factor assessment and confidence in the ability to reduce patients’ HIV risk were the strongest correlates of the frequency and thoroughness of HIV risk assessment and counseling. Conclusions: The percentage of obstetricians-gynecologists who assess and counsel patients about HIV risks is below the 75% goal for the year 2000 established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Continuing medical education for obstetricians-gynecologists is needed to improve their knowledge and skills in HIV prevention.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)131-136
Number of pages6
JournalObstetrics and gynecology
Volume81
Issue number1
StatePublished - Jan 1993
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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