Document 2122
 DOCN  M94A2122
 TI    Knowledge and attitude in relation to HIV/AIDS among in-service nurses
       of Calcutta, India.
 DT    9412
 AU    Dutta C; Bandyopadhyay D; Medical College, Calcutta, India.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):376 (abstract no. PD0112). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370453
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge about, and attitude to, HIV/AIDS among a
       group of nurses in Calcutta, India, and to identify areas of knowledge
       deficit and attitudes that may require modification. METHODS: 75 senior
       nurses attending a workshop were surveyed with questionnaires and using
       two separate scales, their knowledge about transmission, precautionary
       measures, general attitude towards HIV/AIDS and willingness for
       patient-care were assessed. RESULTS: The nurses showed a satisfactory
       level of knowledge (mean percentage score 74.5), but misconceptions
       regarding disinfection and precautionary measures were present. 33% had
       overall negative attitudes and 24% unwilling to care for HIV-infected
       patients. Knowledge and attitude were positively correlated (r = .32).
       DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Knowledge deficits on some aspects of
       infection leading to fear of contagion and judgemental outlook towards
       HIV infection might lead to negative attitude impeding proper care. It
       is suggested that continuous in-service training be instituted to dispel
       misconceptions and to develop favourable and nondiscriminatory attitude.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*NURSING/PREVENTION & CONTROL/
       TRANSMISSION  *Attitude of Health Personnel  Curriculum  *Developing
       Countries  Hospitals, Urban  Human  HIV Infections/PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION  India  *Inservice Training  Knowledge, Attitudes,
       Practice  Nursing Staff, Hospital/*EDUCATION  Universal Precautions
       MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).