ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to survey family physicians regarding the barriers to providing primary care for persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in a small, rural state with a low incidence of infection. The study focused on issues facing family physicians, such as lack of training and experience, skill in managing the complications of HIV and AIDS, fears about transmission, patients' fears about seeing a physician who treats patients with HIV or AIDS, and lack of community consultative and ancillary services. METHODS: All 132 members of the Vermont Academy of Family Physicians were mailed a 33-item survey questionnaire; 106 (80%) responded. RESULTS: Fifty-seven percent of family physicians currently provide medical care for HIV-positive asymptomatic patients, and 45% provide care for symptomatic patients. Seventy-three percent of family physicians either currently manage or are willing to be trained to manage HIV complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that a majority of physicians are willing to provide a wide spectrum of medical treatment and services to patients with HIV or AIDS.