title: Knowledge and attitude of nurses caring for patients with HIV/AIDS in Uganda.
abstract: Nurses working in a regional hospital represent the largest group of health care workers in Uganda. Four hundred seventy-seven nurses and midwives completed the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge and attitude surveys (86% response rate). Approximately 95% (n = 452) had provided care to HIV/AIDS patients; yet 86% (n = 388) believed resources to obtain HIV/AIDS information were inadequate. Fear of contagion was great (47%, n = 232). HIV/AIDS knowledge gaps included "precaution and transmission" (64.7%) and "agent and immunology" (53.4%). Knowledgeable respondents had less fear of contagion. Positive attitudes toward patients with HIV/AIDS were displayed despite fear of contagion.
authors.affiliation: Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. mariam_walusimbi@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Mariam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Walusimbi
authors.forename: Jennifer G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Okonsky
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000451:nursing*; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016746:Transcultural Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D014454:Uganda