RESUMO
In order to assess attitudes and practices of physicians regarding prescribing syringes to injection drug users (IDUs) to prevent disease transmission, a survey was conducted at the 2000 ASAM Conference. Of 497 physicians, 104 responded, representing 30 states and 3 countries. Seventy-eight percent provided care for IDUs. Only 2% had prescribed syringes to IDUs for safer injection of illegal drugs. Nineteen percent had prescribed syringes to diabetic patients whom they believed would use the syringes for injecting illegal drugs. Overall, 61% of physicians (74% of internists, 37% of psychiatrists) (p = 0.04) would consider prescribing syringes to IDUs. Prescribing syringes to IDUs can be part of a comprehensive approach to preventing spread of HIV and other infections, decreasing complications of syringe reuse, and bringing IDUs into medical and substance abuse treatment. The majority of physicians surveyed expressed interest in prescribing syringes. Psychiatrists may be less willing to do so.
Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Padrões de Prática Médica/estatística & dados numéricos , Abuso de Substâncias por Via Intravenosa/terapia , Adulto , Contaminação de Equipamentos , Reutilização de Equipamento , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/complicações , Pesquisas sobre Atenção à Saúde , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Humanos , Masculino , Médicos , SeringasRESUMO
Sun protection behaviors were compared between 100 patients and 85 physicians in a university-based clinic and hospital. Physicians were more likely to use sunscreen, but patients were more likely to wear long sleeve shirts and stay in the shade to avoid the sun. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency or number of sun protection behaviors utilized.
