Turkish nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS. Issue 23 (15th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akin, Semiha; Mendi, Basak; Mendi, Onur; Durna, Zehra
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical nursing. Volume 22:Issue 23/24(2013)
• Page Start: 3361
• Page End: 3371
• Publication Date: 2013-10-15
• Subjects: AIDS -- attitude -- HIV infection -- knowledge -- nursing students; Nursing -- Periodicals; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1111/jocn.12378
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-1067

Abstract

Abstract : Aims and objectives: To assess nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes towards such patients and to determine the variables associated with students' knowledge and attitudes towards them. Background: Improving nurses' and nursing students' knowledge and attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS is vital for providing quality care for such patients. Design: This descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted at three nursing schools located in two different cities in Turkey. The inclusion criteria for the nursing students were as follows: being at least 18 years old; being a first‐, second‐, third‐ or fourth‐year nursing student; and giving consent to participate in the research. Methods: The sample comprised 580 nursing students. The study used three data collection tools: (1) the Student Socio‐Demographic Questionnaire, (2) the HIV/AIDS Knowledge Questionnaire and (3) the HIV/AIDS Attitude Questionnaire. Results: Participants' knowledge was found to be insufficient, particularly with regard to HIV transmission routes. They generally had positive attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS. However, they expressed some concerns and were hesitant about working with AIDS and HIV‐positive patients. Conclusions: The current results reveal that nursing students still have misconceptions and a lack of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and that their attitudes need to be improved. Relevance to clinical practice: Improving education programmes about HIV/AIDS and using information sources effectively may contribute to better knowledge and more desirable attitudes towards HIV/AIDS.