Objectives: The aim of present study was 1/ to assess the knowledge of social workers about AIDS, how well they are informed 2/ their attitude to positive people 3/ to study the effect of three-day counselling workshops organized for social workersMethods: A three day counselling workshop was organized for 160 nurses to gain knowledge about AIDS and experience in counselling. They were divided into small groups where they participated in role plays, situational plays and communication exercises. Before and after the workshop they filled in questionnaires and attitude scales. Results: The results of the studies performed before the workshop showed that participants generally were aware of what AIDS means, however 20% of them significantly overestimated its occurrence in Hungary. 95% of the participants considered the care of AIDS patients as task of health care, but 32% of the refused to take part in this work. 36% of them showed expressed homophony. A study following the workshop showed that knowledge on AIDS became more accurate, they had increased empathy towards HIV-positives. Conclusion: The change in the attitude, behavior and increased empathy may increase the effectivity of primary prevention work with patients living with HIV/AIDS. The results urge us to regularly organize workshops of these type for nurses.

*Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/PREVENTION & CONTROL *Counseling *Education, Nursing *Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

www.aegis.org