KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES AMONG NURSES TOWARDS HIV/ AIDS PATIENTS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, AMROHA

Abstract

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has become one of the most serious challenges to public health due to its high morbidity, mortality and economic impacts. Good Knowledge, positive attitudes and practices are important aspects of providing nursing care for people living with HIV/AIDS. Aim: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses working with HIV/AIDS patients. Methods: This study was descriptive, performed on 200 nurses working with HIV/AIDS patients at a tertiary care Hospital, Amroha. Data was collected using pretested, validated, self administered questionnaire consisting of knowledge, attitude and practice based questions related to HIV/Aids and infected patients along with demographic variables of nursing staff under study.  Results: The result of this study showed that majority of nurses (81%) working with HIV/AIDS patients possess adequate level of knowledge. Most of the nurses under study showed high level of empathic attitude toward people living with HIV/AIDS (above 80%) but at the same time high level of avoidance was observed among some nurses. Practice of nurses working with HIV/AIDS patients was found good. Conclusions: There was satisfactory knowledge, positive attitudes and good practice level among nurses under study. Recommendations: Training should focus on Preventive methods and modes of HIV transmission, care and support of all patients no matter what the disease, emphasizing confidentiality as a patient right that should not be ignored and should train nurses and monitor nursing skills.

Keywords: Public health, Nurses, HIV, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices