Document 0148
 DOCN  M9650148
 TI    Nurses' knowledge and beliefs about AIDS: comparing nurses in hospital,
       community and hospice settings.
 DT    9605
 AU    Steele A; Melby V; Robinson Hospital, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland.
 SO    J Adv Nurs. 1995 Nov;22(5):879-87. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/96154768
 AB    The literature reports an ongoing debate amongst nurses regarding the
       risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through routine
       nursing care. An emotionally charged dilemma appears to exist for many
       nurses regarding what they perceive as conflict between professional
       obligation and personal risk. This study investigates nurses' beliefs,
       knowledge and perceptions of risk of contracting HIV while implementing
       their nursing care. The study focuses on qualified nurses in the
       hospice, hospital and community settings. No other similar comparative
       study that also focuses on hospice nurses has been identified. This
       quantitative study was implemented within Northern Ireland, by way of a
       respondent-administered questionnaire. The study's sample consisted of
       45 qualified nurses and a response rate of 93% (42 respondents) was
       achieved. Analysis of the data involved the use of descriptive and
       correlational statistics. Overall findings indicated that many nurses,
       but particularly those who work in the hospital and community settings,
       hold negative and biased beliefs, and have inadequate knowledge and
       misguided perceptions regarding their risk of contracting HIV through
       the implementation of routine nursing care of clients. Many of those
       nurses readily admit their lack of knowledge. On the whole, hospice
       nurses appear more knowledgeable and exhibit a more positive approach to
       AIDS clients, and appear less fearful than do nurses in the other two
       settings. Implications for hospital management, for nurse education, for
       nurses themselves and for clients are discussed. This study should be
       seen as a springboard for future research within Northern Ireland.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*NURSING/TRANSMISSION  *Community
       Health Nursing  Comparative Study  Education, Nursing, Continuing  Fear
       *Hospices  *Hospitals  Human  Infection Control  *Knowledge, Attitudes,
       Practice  *Nursing Staff/EDUCATION/PSYCHOLOGY  Prejudice  Questionnaires
       JOURNAL ARTICLE

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