The ethical responsibilities of the occupational health physician when faced with the HIV infection

A cognitive survey

Abstract

Among the ethical/social problems that the HIV infection has raised, its repercussions in the working environment are certainly very important, both because of the increase of sieropositivity among the working population and because of possible discriminating behavior like the unjustified refusal of a job or the dismissal from a job.

Among the many responsibilities involved, the authors’ reflection and study concentrate on those of the occupational health physician who is in fact called on the evaluate delicate situations like the real degree of risk of infection connected with the specific working environment and with the presence of infected workers, the negative influence of the working environment on these workers, and how suited they are to their specific jobs. Therefore the evaluative scientific and professional competence but also a dimension of ethical responsibility, strictly connected to particular aspects of the HIV infection like confidentiality, discrimination, the imposition of procedures that are not scientifically founded, prevention and training activities.

After an analysis af the Italian and European regulations on the matter, the authors describe a cognitive survey carried out among occupational health physicians in the Lazio region (Italy), who were invited to offer their opinions on certain crucial aspects of the HIV infection, in a questionnaire with 15 questions.

The evaluation and discussion of the data resulting from the survey provide the necessary considerations which make it possible for the authors to outline the following main aims to pursue regarding the HIV infection in the working environment: 1) protection of the right of the subjects affected by the infection; 2) information and training for the workers; 3) healthiness af the working environment.