Study of KAP on HIV infection/AIDS among medical doctors in Yangon

ABSTRACT

HIV infection/AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and precautionary practices were studied among medical doctors in various health institutions, which included general hospitals, specialist hospitals, township health centers and GP clinics in Yangon, between June and August of 1991. The main objective of the study is to provide necessary information that may promote the appropriate use of health education services for the prevention of HIV infection/AIDS in health workers, particularly those at high risk. A total of 425 questionnaires were delivered and 378 (99.9 percent) returned. The survey results indicated that (99 percent) of the respondents had ever heard of AIDS and only (74 percent) knew the difference between AIDS and HIV infection. Knowledge concerning aetiology, transmission, diagnosis, control and prevention of the disease were revealed to provide the necessary information for effective management. Positive and negative attitudes towards HIV infected person were assessed and practices towards prevention of HIV infection/AIDS in health care settings were discussed in detail.