Administering medical procedures to patients living with AIDS: how comfortable are physicians?

BACKGROUND: Feeling of comfort is important for efficient and compassionate care. This study aimed to determine physicians' level of comfort in administering common medical procedures to patients living with AIDS and to identify the demographic variables that may influence level of comfort.

METHODS: Residents and house officers (n = 211) in 2 Nigerian teaching hospitals were surveyed by a questionnaire that elicited demographic information and information on physicians' level of comfort in administering medical procedures.

RESULTS: Overall, physicians were very uncomfortable with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Invasive procedures evoked a lower level of comfort than noninvasive procedures. Knowing a person living with AIDS influenced the comfort level. Older age and professed willingness to treat persons with AIDS were associated with a higher comfort level.

CONCLUSIONS: This study reinforced the need to address idiosyncrasies as they relate to the AIDS epidemic and to emphasize ethics and altruistic feelings of responsibility to care for those in need.