INFLUENCE OF HIV-INFECTION RISK ON RESIDENT PHYSICIANS

Purpose. To determine the influence of the risk of contracting thf hum an immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on the attitudes and behavior of resid ent physicians. Method. A 15-item questionnaire was sent in January 19 94 to the 268 residents in the major specialty training programs at th e three clinical campuses of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, The residents' responses about HIV were analyzed in lig ht of their specialty, postgraduate-year level, and training location. Z-tests were used to determine the statistical significance of the re sponses, and Yates corrections were applied to all calculations.Result s. A total of 121 residents (45%) responded. These residents were simi lar demographically Co the non-respondents. Fifty-one of the respondin g residents (42%, p<.02) reported that they tended to minimize perform ing invasive procedures on HIV-positive patients. A surprisingly high number-73 (60%, p<.005)-had been tested for HIV. Only 14 had sustained needle-stick injuries. The risk of HIV infection had not appreciably affected the residents' choices of specialty, but it did dampen their enthusiasm for the practice of medicine. It also influenced their choi ces of training location, with 34 (28%, p<.001) listing HIV as an impo rtant factor. Given the hypothetical situation that they themselves we re infected with HIV, 89 (75%, p<.001) of the residents reported that they Mould not terminate their careers, but 70 (61%, p<.005) indicated that they would refrain from performing invasive procedures. Conclusi on. The residents' responses show a high level of emotional stability as well as a practical acceptance of the reality of HIV in the workpla ce. The impact on resident physician of HIV requires further attention by medical educators and program directors.