Patients and their doctors have different perceptions about HIV and its treatment

According to results of a nation-wide study published in the latest issue of SAGE Publications' Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC), HIV positive patients and their doctors have very different views about the disease and how it's treated.

The study uncovered differences of opinion between patients and physicians about the initiation of treatment, the various goals of treatment, and even about whether or not the patient understands the doctors' explanations. These and other gaps in perception were revealed in the JIAPAC peer-reviewed article, "State of HIV Treatment: Results of IAPAC Surveys of HIV-Positive Patients and HIV-Treating Physicians in the United States."

The article explores the research findings about the attitudes of more than 500 HIV-positive patients and HIV-treating physicians regarding satisfaction with current treatment options, treatment side effects, patient-physician relationships, the importance of looking healthy, and other aspects related to HIV treatment.

"While the surveys highlighted many similar views between physicians and patients on issues such as treatment goals and satisfaction with currently available antiretroviral drugs," said José M. Zuniga, IAPAC President/CEO and the author of the JIAPAC article, "it is clear that more candid dialogue is needed to ensure a satisfactory treatment experience for people living with HIV/AIDS."

Source : SAGE Publications