AIDS awareness among nursing students
Kubde, S.S.; Zodpey, S.D.; Vasudeo, N.D.
Indian Journal of Public Health 39(3): 109-112
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-557X PMID: 8690489 Document Number: 299206
In 1994, in India, interviews were conducted with 204 nursing students (202 females and 2 males) at the Government Medical College in Nagpur so researchers could determine their knowledge of and attitudes towards AIDS. 31.9% thought that AIDS is not at all serious and is just like having the common cold. Only 42.2% thought that everyone is susceptible to AIDS. 70% knew that AIDS involves loss of immunity and eventually opportunistic infections. 25% still did not know the cause of AIDS. 69% believed correctly that HIV causes AIDS. Most nursing students knew that sexual intercourse with an AIDS patient and mother-to-infant transmission (63.7% and 88.2%, respectively) are two modes of HIV transmission. 61.8% knew that condom use prevents AIDS. 35.8% incorrectly believed that there is an AIDS vaccine. 93% feared acquiring HIV/AIDS through their work. 34.3% did not want to care for AIDS patients. Out of a total of 28, the average number of correct responses score was 17. Only 11% of nursing students had a knowledge score of at least 75%. 35% did not think AIDS is a problem in India. A more positive and fearless attitude towards caring for AIDS patients among nursing students was associated with a higher knowledge score than those lacking this attitude.