A Study of Knowledge and Practice among Nurses Regarding Care of human immunodeficiency virus Positive Patients in Medical College and Hospitals of Kolkata, India

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Nurses are the frontline health workers whose work compels them to come in contact with different blood-borne pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Therefore, their awareness regarding HIV is critical to successful implementation of the programmes. Objectives: To find out the knowledge and practice regarding HIV among nurses in medical colleges of Kolkata. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out among 250 nurses employed in five medical colleges of Kolkata over a period of 2 months (January-February 2015). Their knowledge in the areas of virology, modes of transmission, prevention, and nursing practices regarding HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients' care was assessed using a pretested questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: While the basic information about the disease such as causative agent, modes of transmission, etc., were known to most of the participants, deficiencies in their knowledge and awareness in many critical areas of the disease such as voluntary counseling and infant feeding practices were noticed. The practice was also found to be unsatisfactory. Training in HIV was found to be an important factor influencing the knowledge of participants. Conclusion: The knowledge and practice regarding HIV was found to be less than satisfactory which necessitates the need to impart focused training on prevention counseling regarding HIV, keeping in mind the rising incidence of HIV infection in India.