Need for HIV education among public health personnel in Michigan

Knowledge and attitudes related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the use of the universal precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were investigated among 807 State and 2,797 local public health personnel in Michigan in September 1989. Survey results indicated that the majority of respondents were well-informed regarding the major routes of HIV transmission, but many respondents hold misconceptions regarding nonviable routes of transmission and about policies on HIV counseling and testing. Respondents reporting occupational exposure to blood or semen reported inconsistent use of universal precautions. Most respondents believed in providing the same quality of care for those with HIV infection as for noninfected persons. However, 32.4 percent believed that they should have the right to refuse treatment, and 9.4 percent reported that they would not be willing to provide routine public health services to an HIV-infected client. The results of this research suggest that in Michigan, public health personnel are in need of HIV education that focuses on the correction of misconceptions about HIV transmission, counseling, and testing policies; the development of appropriate attitudes toward persons infected with HIV; and the appropriate use of universal precautions. Findings also suggest that inadequate protective equipment is an important barrier to the consistent use of universal precautions.