Over a quarter (499) of general practitioners in the Republic of Irela
nd were sent a questionnaire on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
infection. Two hundred and fifty eight (51.7%) general practitioners
returned completed questionnaires. Ninety six respondents (37.2%) had
seen at least one HIV positive patient in their practice. In Dublin tw
o thirds (67%) of respondents had seen HIV positive patients. A large
majority (77.6%) of HIV positive people identified by the survey were
attending general practitioners in the Eastern Health Board area. Most
(61.2%) respondents favour the involvement of general practitioners i
n the future care of patients with HIV.