NCJ Number
113597
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 18 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1988) Pages: 403-419
Date Published
1988
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Substance abuse clinic directors and counselors from 24 clinics within the Chicago area responded to a survey questionnaire examining, respectively, clinic policies and practices concerning AIDS and self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and reactions associated with AIDS.
Abstract
Responses indicated that across clinics, policies and practices were inconsistent and frequently incomplete, inadequate, and, at times, questionable. Many directors either would not admit or were uncertain if they would admit persons with AIDS (PWAs) for treatment. Most had incomplete AIDS infection control policies, a few had questionable ones, and several had none. The most frequently reported policy related to handling urine specimens and disinfecting contaminated surfaces. Few had policies regarding handling blood specimens, laundering contaminated clothes, proper handling of cuts/abrasions, and other practices covered by recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control. Clearer and nondiscriminatory Federal and State AIDS guidelines need to be established and implemented at the clinic level. Counselors were apprehensive concerning AIDS. Unlike the fears of the general population, these fears did not translate into negative attitudes, prejudices, or active discrimination, but they did seem to translate into inaction and indecision. Many counselors reported not being knowledgeable or comfortable enough to counsel PWAs. AIDS counselor education needs to deal with these AIDS-elicited emotional reactions. 28 references. 8 tables.