Nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practice related to HIV transmission in northeastern China

• Published in: AIDS patient care and STDs Vol. 18; no. 7; p. 417
• Main Authors: Chen, Wei-Ti, Han, Mei, Holzemer, William L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2004
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; China; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV Infections - nursing; HIV Infections - prevention & control; HIV Infections - transmission; Humans; Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional - prevention & control; Male; Nursing Staff, Hospital; Occupational Exposure - prevention & control; China
• ISSN: 1087-2914
• DOI: 10.1089/1087291041518247

The purpose of this study was to describe what nurses know about HIV/AIDS in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang Province, China. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Only 7.9% of the nurse (n = 177) used condoms during their first experience of sexual intercourse. Eight-six percent of the nurses had been stuck by sharps while working, and 76% of them had been splashed by patient fluids. For 12 basic HIV/AIDS questions, the mean score was 6.66. The mean score is 6.28 for 9 HIV/AIDS attitude questions. Knowledge and attitude are negatively related (r = -0.215, p < 0.005). Training in reducing the risk for occupational exposures in this sample is important. Nurses who have a better understanding of HIV/AIDS prevention are more likely to have negative attitudes toward HIV/AIDS. This study suggests the necessity of increasing HIV/AIDS education for nurses, family members, friends, and all health care providers.