Knowledge, Attitudes & Practices (KAP) of General Practitioners (GPs) regarding Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and HIV/ AIDS in Karachi, Pakistan

To evaluate the KAP of GPs in Karachi who treat most of the cases of STDs in their private clinics. It was a cross sectional survey conducted by interviewing 103 GPs from different towns of Karachi through an interviewer administered questionnaire based on WHO protocol for control of STDs. Regarding organisms transmitted through sexual intercourse, 94.2% knew about Neisseria gonorrhoeae while only 38.8% knew about T.Pallidum. Only 26.2% had heard about WHO syndromic management of STDs. Regarding treatment of a HIV positive patient 40.8% said they referred them to an AIDS control programme. Ninety four percent knew the value of sexual history but 55.3% were aware of the recommended treatment regimen. Knowledge and Attitudes of GPs was reasonably good but improvement is required with respect to management of STDs & HIV. Targeted continuing medical education programmes and special training sessions are recommended.