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A National, Randomized Survey of HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes Among Psychiatrists in Training

Dr. McDaniel is an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Dr. Campos is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Dr. Purcell is a clinical psychology postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Dr. Farber is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Mr. Bondurant is a graduate student at Rollins School of Public Health; Ms. Donovan and Mr. Chang are medical students; Emory HIV/AIDS Mental Health Training Project, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia. Address reprint requests to Dr. McDaniel, Grady Infectious Disease Program, 341 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30308.

Given the broad spectrum of medical and psychiatric complications associated with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) disease, HIV-related education is an important curriculum topic for all physicians. This study examined the HIV-related knowledge and attitudes among psychiatrists in training to evaluate their training needs. A survey instrument was developed containing 15 knowledge items, 15 attitude items, demographic items, and questions concerning how HIV/AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) affected residency choice and self-perception of training needs. The questionnaire was mailed to 2,252 psychiatrists in training randomly selected and stratified by American Psychiatric Association district and postgraduate training year. The sample consisted of 825 respondents representing 37% of the initial pool. Knowledge was most lacking in areas dealing with HIV-related neuropsychiatric complications and issues concerning HIV/AIDS and special populations. In general, the respondents expressed positive attitudes about HIV-related issues; however, three items correctly endorsed by fewer than 75% of the sample dealt specifically with the management of neuropsychiatric complications, working with dying patients, and the range of normal sexuality. Targeted HIV-related education is needed for psychiatrists in training and particularly should encompass neuropsychiatric syndromes and issues of special populations.

Key Words: HIV • AIDS • attitudes

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