Paediatric AIDS: Selected attitudes and behaviours of paediatricians in New York City hospitals

Abstract

This study provides survey data gathered from hospital-based paediatricians in New York City regarding several key issues in the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric AIDS. These include: perceived risk of acquiring HIV through professional exposure; referral patterns in the treatment of HIV-infected children; attitudes regarding the universal testing of pregnant women and newborns; willingness to raise prevention issues during health-maintenance visits, and interest in further AIDS education. Overall levels of perceived risk are quite high although unrelated to referral procedures. The modal procedure for both asymptomatic and symptomatic children is to treat in conjunction with a specialist, followed by referral to a specialist. The majority of respondents believe that all pregnant women seen in metropolitan clinics/hospitals should be routinely screened for HIV, but that newborn testing should be reserved for high risk babies. However, the vast majority believe that high risk newborns should be screened regardless of maternal consent. Physicians report strong support for the anticipatory guidance of adolescents, and an extremely high level of interest in continuing HIV/AIDS education for paediatricians.