Delivery of HIV prevention counseling by physicians at HIV medical care settings in 4 US cities

Objectives. We investigated physicians' delivery of HIV prevention counseling to newly diagnosed and established HIV-positive patients. Methods. A questionnaire was developed and mailed to 417 HIV physicians in 4 US cities. Results. Overall, rates of counseling on the part of physicians were low. Physicians reported counseling newly diagnosed patients more than established patients. Factors associated with increased counseling included having sufficient time with patients and familiarity with treatment guidelines. Physicians who perceived their patients to have mental health and substance abuse problems, who served more male patients, and who were infectious disease specialists were less likely to counsel patients. Conclusions. Intervention strategies with physicians should be developed to overcome barriers to providing counseling to HIV-positive patients.