A survey on students nurses' knowledge and attitude about HIV/AIDS in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

In Nepal, nursing students need to be knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS, as future} of health care providers for the growing numbers of HIV/AIDS patient. This study reports the result of survey of certificate level of nursing students knowledge and attitudes related to HIV/AIDS and AIDS patients. Data was [collected from 351 students of 3 nursing campuses of Kathmandu, Nepal. A descriptive study was used. This descriptive study showed that there were differences in knowledge! and attitude scores among 3 level of nursing students. One Way analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences (p 0.05). Students gained knowledge and improved attitude on HIV/AIDS as they progressed through the nursing program. This indicates that increased knowledge leads to more positive attitude. Experience in taking care of HIV/ AIDS patients also improved students' attitudes. Result of the t-test indicates significant differences (p 0.05) between mean attitude scores among students who have experience in caring HIV/AIDS patients and those who do not have experience. Though the respondents displayed mode rate scores on knowledge questions, there was lack of knowledge in prevention and universal precautions, which is essential to provide safe care to the patients and to prevent the spreading] of the disease. Recommendation from this study is to include the knowledge and counseling about the HIV/AIDS in nursing curriculum.