Managing people with HIV/AIDS--the involvement of Victorian general practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: To examine aspects of knowledge, attitudes, behaviour and practice (KABP) of Victorian general practitioners (GPs) in relation to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as part of a larger KABP study relating to GPs and sexually transmissible diseases (STDs). METHOD: Questionnaire survey of 520 randomly selected GPs. RESULTS: A response rate of 85% was obtained. Most respondents were aware of the major risk factors for HIV infection and most GPs obtained consent before HIV testing. More than 22% of respondents had ordered an HIV test that was positive and 39% had been involved with the management of HIV positive patients (asymptomatic, symptomatic or both). The gender of the practitioner (male), greater frequency of STD diagnosis and greater level of ease in treating homosexual men were all significantly associated with having ordered an HIV test that was positive and with ongoing management of asymptomatic and symptomatic HIV positive patients, whereas practitioner age, frequency of advising on safe sex and providing contraceptive advice were not. CONCLUSION: Thirty-nine per cent of Victorian GPs are now managing HIV positive patients, representing a 17% increase since 1989. We found that GP knowledge of HIV transmission and infection control was generally good although information on knowledge and practice beyond initial diagnosis was not sought. Given the evidence of a significant association between practitioner experience in HIV/AIDS management and survival of their patients, there is a need for further research into the educational and support needs of Australian GPs in relation to this increasingly complex area of clinical practice.