Abstract
The need for physiotherapy in the multidisciplinary management of patients with AIDS is generally acknowledged. Physiotherapists should understand the disease, and develop appropriate attitudes towards individuals with AIDS. Data obtained from questionnaires completed at the University of the Western Cape by prospective physiotherapy students between 1991 and 1993, on knowledge of and attitudes about AIDS, were analysed. The same questionnaire was re-administered to a group of physiotherapy students completing their fourth-year of study. Although most of the students indicated accurate knowledge about AIDS, their attitudes were uncertain. Students expressed anxiety about contact with persons with AIDS. The findings suggest the need for the inclusion of AIDS education in the physiotherapy education curriculum at the University of the Western Cape.
Highlights
The need for physiotherapy in the multidisciplinary man agement of patients with AIDS is generally acknowledged
The prevalence of AIDS in South Africa poses a challenge to health professionals
W hile the data reported here represent informa tion from a limited sample, it does suggest that improving the level of knowledge and the attitudes towards AIDS among physiotherapy students may be one of the steps which would assist in com bating prejudice, and preparing the students to work with AIDS patients
Summary
The need for physiotherapy in the multidisciplinary man agement of patients with AIDS is generally acknowledged. Physiotherapists should understand the disease, and devel op appropriate attitudes towards individuals with AIDS. Data obtained from questionnaires completed at the University of the Western Cape by prospective physiother apy students between 1991 and 1993, on knowledge of and attitudes about AIDS, were analysed. The same ques tionnaire was re-administered to a group of physiotherapy students completing their fourth-year of study. Most of the students indicated accurate knowledge about AIDS, their attitudes were uncertain. Students expressed anxiety about contact with persons with AIDS.
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