Cross-sectional survey on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Philippine Dermatological Society members related to HIV/AIDS

ABSTRACT

Background@#Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains a major challenge worldwide. Physicians have a crucial role in the struggle against HIV/AIDS and must be equipped with proper knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP). No study has been done to assess the KAP of dermatologists related to HIV-AIDS.@*Objective@#The study’s objective was to determine the KAP of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) members related to HIV/AIDS.@*Methods@#A cross-sectional study was done among PDS members from February to November 2017 utilizing a questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic questions and KAP questions related to HIV.@*Results@#Out of 210 participants, 71.43% show good working knowledge, 60.95% show negative attitudes, 55.71% show bad practices related to HIV/AIDS. Members aged 29 to 37 years old, having worked as dermatologists for 1 to 8 years, and having worked in the health care sector for 1 to 8 years have better working knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Although with lesser duration of work as dermatologist, these members have more positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS. These findings may be attributed to greater exposure to HIV cases and better ability to access information by internet among younger dermatologists. Gender is not significantly associated with KAP related to HIV/AIDS. Practice related to HIV/AIDS is not significantly associated with any demographic variables. Bad working knowledge related to HIV/AIDS is associated with negative attitude and bad practices. This can be attributed to insufficient training in the field of HIV/AIDS.@*Conclusion@#Majority of PDS members show negative attitudes, bad practices, but good working knowledge related to HIV/AIDS.