OPINIONS OF QUEBEC PHYSICIANS REGARDING A IDS .2.

Based on a representative sample of Quebec physicians (n = 879), this study assesses physicians' motivation to perform a clinical examinatio n on an HIV-infected patient and their opinion about issues related to HIV screening. Confronted with an HIV-infected patient, 70% of physic ians would perform a clinical examination; however, more senior medica l specialists with fewer contacts with patients seem less inclined to perform a clinical examination on these patients. Almost 80% agree wit h a mandatory nominal confidential notification of positive HIV screen ees. However, 33% agree with the practice of contact tracing and 40% c onsider it acceptable to test a patient without his or her explicit co nsent. Even if Canada does not regulate the testing of immigrants for HIV, more than 75% of the respondents agree with such a policy. Finall y, a negative association was observed between the intent to perform a clinical examination on an HIV-infected patient and a favourable atti tude toward the screening of immigrants and the testing of patients wi thout their consent.