Irish general practice and the human immunodeficiency virus.

Over a quarter (499) of general practitioners in the Republic of Ireland were sent a questionnaire on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Two hundred and fifty eight (51.7%) general practitioners returned completed questionnaires. Ninety six respondents (37.2%) had seen at least one HIV positive patient in their practice. In Dublin two thirds (67%) of respondents had seen HIV positive patients. A large majority (77.6%) of HIV positive people identified by the survey were attending general practitioners in the Eastern Health Board area. Most (61.2%) respondents favour the involvement of general practitioners in the future care of patients with HIV.