H.i.v. Contact Survey (Press, 21 October 1989)
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Summary: H.i.v. Contact Survey (Press, 21 October 1989)
A survey conducted by Dr. Jane Chetwynd, a senior lecturer in community health at the Christchurch School of Medicine, revealed that a significant majority of New Zealand general practitioners (GPs) have engaged with patients regarding A.I.D.S. or H.I.V. infection. The survey, distributed to about 1000 GPs in 1988, garnered an 86 per cent response rate. Of those who responded, 95 per cent indicated they had encountered patients discussing A.I.D.S. or H.I.V. issues, while 86 per cent reported receiving at least one request for the H.I.V. antibody test. Dr. Chetwynd's findings, published in the "New Zealand Medical Journal" on 23 August 1989, highlight that the contact rate regarding A.I.D.S. is not limited to urban areas but is widespread across New Zealand. The data revealed that a small number of doctors were addressing a relatively high volume of A.I.D.S.-related cases, indicating that for these practitioners, concerns about H.I.V. had become a common issue among patients. Furthermore, Dr. Chetwynd pointed out that GPs play a crucial role in managing A.I.D.S.-related health concerns, not only for individuals who may be infected but also for the "worried well" — those anxious about potential infection who seek medical advice. The study also highlighted that referral practices varied among practitioners; only 3 per cent of GPs referred patients to specialised A.I.D.S. or sexually transmitted disease clinics, with 84 per cent making no referrals at all. Notably, referral rates were higher in cities like Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland, and women doctors were more likely to refer patients than their male counterparts. Lastly, a common sentiment among the GPs surveyed was a desire for ongoing education and training related to A.I.D.S., indicating a readiness to enhance their understanding and management of the disease.
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