Surgeon’s attitude, concern, and practice regarding management of HIV patients in tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS continues to pose a major global public health challenge, particularly for healthcare workers exposed to blood and body fluids. Surgeons face increased occupational risk owing to frequent contact with sharp instruments and contaminated materials. This study aimed to assess the attitudes, concerns, and practices of surgeons toward managing HIV-positive patients at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 surgeons and surgical residents at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal. Participants completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes, concerns, and practices regarding HIV-positive patients. Data were analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) using descriptive statistics and chi-square or logistic regression tests, with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: Among 150 respondents, 85.3% were male and 57.3% married; 45.3% were consultants and 45.3% junior residents. Most (57.7%) had 1–5 years of surgical experience. Overall, 88% were willing to operate on HIV-positive patients with standard precautions, and 76% agreed that HIV-positive surgeons could operate after disclosure and consent. Half (50.7%) viewed HIV-positive individuals as normal surgical cases under routine precautions, and 77.3% supported routine preoperative HIV testing. Adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention infection-control guidelines was complete in 53.3%, while 96% had operated on HIV-positive patients. Awareness of free post-exposure prophylaxis was reported by 41.3%. Conclusion: Surgeons at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal demonstrated ethical commitment and generally positive attitudes toward HIV-positive patients. Nevertheless, inconsistent adherence to universal precautions underscores the need for continuous education, improved institutional policies, and enhanced access to post-exposure prophylaxis to strengthen occupational safety and equitable patient care.