CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRISTS AND HIV DISEASE - A SURVEY

During the spring and summer of 1989, all members of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in nine states were sent questionnaires to determine the extent of child and adolescent psychiatrists' human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related knowledge, experience, comfort in working with HIV patients, and opinions regarding perceived educational needs about HIV. The response rate was 54% (N = 511). Two-thirds of the respondents indicated they had treated or had consulted on an HIV-infected patient. Most psychiatrists indicated reasonable comfort in working with HIV patients. Knowledge about HIV was found to be variable. Results suggest that child psychiatrists are engaging in HIV-related activities in all parts of the country, and further information or education would be welcomed by a majority of Academy members, particularly at nationally sponsored events.