AEGiS-07IAC: HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among nursing students.

7th International AIDS Conference

Florence, Italy — June 16-21, 1991

HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among nursing students.

Int Conf AIDS 1991 Jun 16-21; 7:442 (abstract no. W.D.4217)
Casella P, Gattari P, Spizzichino L, Valenzi C; Drug Dependence Unit H S. Spirito, Rome

OBJECTIVE: To determine knowledge, risk perception, risk prevention behavior concerning AIDS, willingness to treat people with HIV disease, and main sources of information about AIDS among 132 nursing students in a hospital in Rome.

METHODS: An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was used.

RESULTS: The students' age ranged from 17 to 43 (mean 22.9); 56.1% were female. 97% knew the main modes of HIV transmission. Fewer students thought HIV can be transmitted from giving blood (53%), having a blood test (15.9%) or through insect bites (3.8%). 17.4% made no difference between AIDS and HIV infection. Mass-media were the most quoted sources of information on AIDS (86.3%); the nursing school was quoted by 69.7% of the students. Professional risk was perceived as middle-high by 73.8% of the students. 42% didn't know the praxis to be followed after an accidental needle prick. Only 40% used regularly gloves during professional practice. Only 47% of the students referred to be willing to work in an infectious diseases department of a hospital.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the knowledge of HIV related disease seems to be good, some points regarding transmission and prevention need to be improved. More educational programmes on AIDS must be introduced in this kind of school to give informations and to motivate the students.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Students, Nursing, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, HIV Infections, Students, Risk-Taking, Questionnaires, Schools, Mass Media, Rome, Female, ICA7
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WD4217