Professional profile, knowledge, and attitudes in addressing HIV in Primary Health Care

Abstract

Abstract Objective To analyze the association between the professional profile, knowledge, and attitudes of healthcare professionals and the implementation of HIV/AIDS coping actions in Primary Health Care. Methods This cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted in the Primary Health Care setting of a municipality in São Paulo State with physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and psychologists trained to perform rapid tests. Professional profiles, knowledge, and attitudes regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV, and AIDS were examined, as well as the implementation of coping actions, such as rapid testing, health education, notification, and active partnership seeking. A coping score was calculated by summing the reported actions, and the score was analyzed using multiple linear regression to identify associations with profile, knowledge, and attitude variables. The Family Health Strategy care models and the traditional care model were also compared using the chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Results The sample consisted of 120 professionals, the majority of whom were female (74.2%) and medical professionals (55.0%). More than half of the sample did not participate in training in the last five years (60.0%) and do not provide guidance on the use of condoms (65.0%). Professionals from the Family Health Strategy presented a higher coping score, with a ratio of actions 1.68 higher than that of professionals in traditional Basic Units, highlighting the active search for partnerships, monitoring of pregnant women with HIV, and notification of Sexually Transmitted Infections. Conclusion The care model directly influences actions to cope with HIV and AIDS, with greater effectiveness in the Family Health Strategy.