Knowledge, attitudes & practices (KAP) of general practitioners (GPS) regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDS) and HIV/AIDS in Karachi, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the KAP of GPs in Karachi who treat most of the cases of STDs in their private clinics. METHODS: It was a cross sectional survey conducted by interviewing 103 GPs from different towns of Karachi through an interviewer administered questionnaire based on WHO protocol for control of STDs. RESULTS: Regarding organisms transmitted through sexual intercourse, 94.2% knew about Neisseria gonorrhoeae while only 38.8% knew about T.Pallidum. Only 26.2% had heard about WHO syndromic management of STDs. Regarding treatment of a HIV positive patient 40.8% said they referred them to an AIDS control programme. Ninety four percent knew the value of sexual history but 55.3% were aware of the recommended treatment regimen. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and Attitudes of GPs was reasonably good but improvement is required with respect to management of STDs & HIV. Targeted continuing medical education programmes and special training sessions are recommended.