Nurses’ attitudes and concerns pertaining to HIV and AIDS

A pilot study was conducted to identify nurses' attitudes and concerns pertaining to the care of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Data were collected using an anonymous, voluntary questionnaire, which was made available to all nurses at a Wellington Area Health Board (New Zealand) hospital. Of 562 nursing staff, 286 (51%) responded, of which 74 (25.9%) had previously attended an HIV/AIDS workshop for Area Health Board staff. Of those staff handling blood, 132 (49.4%) always wore gloves, and only half of the respondents (n = 148, 51%) treated all body fluids as potentially HIV positive. The possible attrition rate from nursing positions in the canvassed hospital was 2.8%, with a further 43 (15.0%) undecided about resigning from their post. Only 36 nurses (12.5%) believed the employer did not provide adequate safety measures. The provision of education regarding HIV/AIDS, by the employer, was considered inadequate by 61 (21.3%) respondents. This study demonstrates that further safety and education needs should be attended to or reinforced.