Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Attitudes Research Articles

The Effects of an AIDS Education Program on the Knowledge and Attitudes of Physical Therapy Students

AIDS (acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome) is a fast spreading pandemic with global affection and has affected lives of multitudes in recent years. The purpose of this paper was to determine the effect of an AIDS education program on physical therapy students’ knowledge about AIDS, attitudes towards people with AIDS and willingness to treat AIDS patients. A sample of 50 physical therapy students’ aged 22 to 28 volunteered to participate in this study. All subjects were pretested and posttested together with an AIDS study questionnaire. The subject group demonstrated an improvement in knowledge about AIDS (56%) and positive attitudes towards AIDS patients (16%), although the students’ willingness to provide services for AIDS patients remained unchanged following the AIDS education program. Further study of other levels of physical therapists or physical therapy students, measurement of actual clinical behaviours and comparisons of different educational interventions are needed.

AIDS knowledge and attitudes in a Turkish population: an epidemiological study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate and present some pertinent comments concerning Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) knowledge, attitudes and misconceptions among the general population in a city of west Turkey. This study was deemed important and relevant due to the increasing importance of AIDS in Turkey and the other countries.MethodsUsing a multistage area sampling method, a random sample of individuals aged 11–83 years, living in 65 different quarters in the city of Eskisehir, Turkey during September, October and November 2004 were interviewed.ResultsIn all, 1048 respondents completed the survey. In most items, respondents displayed a fairly good to excellent degree of knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Individuals with higher degrees of education indicated more correct responses in all items relating to knowledge of HIV/AIDS.In general, the respondents' attitudes towards AIDS and people with AIDS were found to be tolerant and positive, with one answer choice showing that the majority of the respondents agreed with the statement that those with HIV/AIDS must be supported, treated and helped (90.7%). Moreover, the proportions of the respondents' misconceptions were found to be significantly low for all the items. However, nearly one fourth of the respondents agreed with the misconceptions 'AIDS is a punishment by God' and 'One is not infected with HIV/AIDS if engaged in sport and well nourished'.ConclusionIn general HIV/AIDS related knowledge was high and people showed positive attitudes. However, people continue to hold misconceptions about AIDS and these need to be addressed by health education programs targeting those at higher risk.

Attitudes of baccalaureate nursing students toward persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome according to mode of human immunodeficiency virus transmission.

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to (1) examine differences in baccalaureate nursing students' attitudes toward persons living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWAs) according to mode of transmission and (2) identify demographic and academic variables influencing baccalaureate nursing students' attitudes toward PLWAs. Two hundred forty-six students from five geographically dispersed baccalaureate programs returned a completed demographic data sheet, AIDS Knowledge Scale, and AIDS Attitude Scale. The AIDS Attitude Scale, based on Goffman's theory of stigma, assesses stigmatizing attitudes, perceptions of deservedness of care, and attitudes of respect and regard for PLWAs according to five modes of human immunodeficiency virus transmission. The findings of this study demonstrated overall that baccalaureate students were the most stigmatizing toward persons who had developed AIDS through injecting drugs followed by sexual contact (both homosexual and heterosexual) and least stigmatizing toward PLWAs who contracted the virus through maternal transmission or a blood transfusion. Perhaps the PLWA who contracted AIDS through either maternal transmission or a blood transfusion was viewed as an "innocent victim" of the disease, whereas PLWAs who contracted the virus through either shared needles or sexual transmission were viewed as having acquired the infection through the results of their actions. The demographic characteristics of the respondents did not influence AIDS attitudes.

Knowledge and attitudes about AIDS: A comparison of public high school students, incarcerated delinquents, and emotionally disturbed adolescents

This study compared AIDS knowledge and attitudes in public high school students (N=167), incarcerated delinquents (N=166), and emotionally disturbed (SED) adolescents (N=151). The response measure was a 50-item Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) questionnaire that was previously used by Bell et al., in their 1991 study of learning disabled adolescents. Although AIDS knowledge was moderately high in all three groups, widespread misunderstandings about disease transmission and awareness of high-risk groups and practices were noted. Knowledge scores were significantly higher in the public school sample than in the SED adolescents; moreover, they tended to be slightly higher (p<0.10) than the delinquent group as well. Teenagers with the severest emotional problems were by far the least informed. Age and race were also predictive of AIDS knowledge. Other results showed that delinquents were more permissive in their attitudes about sex, more inclined to disdain safe sex practices, and more likely to feel threatened by high-risk groups as well as powerless to protect themselves against AIDS. Generally speaking, the findings extend the work of other investigators on the needs for AIDS education in adolescents. The need is especially urgent in delinquent and emotionally disturbed youth who may require a more comprehensive intervention because of their greater knowledge deficits, propensity for high-risk practices, and tendency to deny or underestimate their own vulnerability.

Knowledge about AIDS and attitudes towards persons with AIDS: Implications for occupational therapy

Persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are frequent users of healthcare services, and their care presents a critical challenge to the healthcare profession. With an estimated one million persons in the United States believed to be infected, occupational therapy practitioners will see increasing numbers of referrals to provide services to persons with AIDS. Like other healthcare professionals, occupational therapy practitioners have expressed inaccurate knowledge about AIDS and negative attitudes towards persons with AIDS, both affecting the therapeutic relationship, and possibly leading to suboptimal clinical care. This paper summarizes research that measures healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes about AIDS. It also explores the effectiveness of educational programs aimed at increasing knowledge about AIDS and modifying attitudes towards persons with AIDS. Further research is proposed in the occupational therapy field to assist in the development of educational programs addressing these important AIDS issues.

AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes towards Homosexuals of Black First-Year University Students: 1990–1992

Using an anonymous structured questionnaire to obtain baseline data on knowledge and attitudes of first-year black university students about the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and their attitudes towards homosexuals during 1990, 1991, and 1992 (ns = 1902, 2113, and 1558), the following information was obtained. Students' knowledge of AIDS was inadequate and misconceptions about AIDS transmission prevalent as were prejudiced and exclusionary beliefs about people with AIDS. Little difference was evident on any of the scales over the three-year period.

Seriously Emotionally Disturbed Students' Knowledge and Attitudes About AIDS

In recent years, the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has dramatically increased in many segments of our population, including adolescents. Specific subgroups of adolescents have been identified as being at increased risk of acquiring HIV infection due to their high-risk behaviors and lack of basic knowledge regarding AIDS. Using a 50-item AIDS questionnaire, this study surveyed the AIDS knowledge and attitudes of 220 adolescents with serious emotional disturbance (SED), a group particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. Although the majority of the students knew the main modes of HIV transmission, the students' ages and race were related to their level of knowledge, and there were a number of common misconceptions reported by the students. In terms of students' attitudes toward behaviors that might lead to HIV infection and tolerance of those with AIDS, this study found that gender, race, and age were predictive in various subscales. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive AIDS education to address the knowledge deficits and permissive attitudes regarding high-risk behavior seen in some students with SED.

AIDS knowledge and attitudes for 1992. Data from the National Health Interview Survey.

In 1992, levels of knowledge about the major modes of human immunodeficiency (HIV) transmission remained high in all sociodemographic groups examined. Knowledge about other aspects of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was more variable with older and less educated adults generally being less knowledgeable. Changes in knowledge between 1991 and 1992 included: An increase from 86 to 95 percent in the proportion who had heard the AIDS virus referred to as "HIV" An increase from 15 to 22 percent in the proportion of young adults (18-29 years of age) who planned to be tested in the next year An increase from 13 to 17 percent in the proportion of adults who had a coworker, relative, or friend with AIDS An increase from 69 to 75 percent in the proportion of parents of 10-17-year-olds who had ever discussed AIDS with their children.

AIDS risk among black male adolescents: Implications for nursing interventions

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a devastating disease the incidence of which is increasing in the black heterosexual community. Only 12% of the nation's population is black, yet 28% of the people with AIDS are black. AIDS currently threatens black adolescents because of their high risk sexual behavior. No cure exists for AIDS nor is a vaccine available. However, AIDS is preventable. Presently, teaching people how to avoid becoming infected with the human immunodefiency virus is the only strategy for reducing the spread of AIDS. Nurses can be an important link in the chain of AIDS prevention in this country. Minimal information is available to assist nurses in learning how to effectively intervene with adolescents, especially black male adolescents, regarding AIDS prevention. This article reviews research on AIDS knowledge, attitudes, and high risk sexual behavior among black male adolescents, suggests strategies for using the nursing process as an AIDS education model in working with black male adolescents, and provides guidelines for nurses to use when working with black male adolescents concerning the issue of sexuality education and AIDS prevention.

A Psychoeducational Model for Changing Nurses' AIDS Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices

A review of the research literature over the last five years reveals that nurses' knowledge of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has improved dramatically. However, attitudes and fears about HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have not changed commensurately with nurses' knowledge. Also, there is evidence that nurses' clinical practice is not always safe. This paper summarizes the research literature and proposes a three-tiered psychoeducational model for changing knowledge and clinical skills, knowledge and attitudes, and attitudes alone. These approaches include information and demonstration, expression of attitudes and fears, role-playing, group discussions, practice in designing policies, and exposure to various sociocultural groups, to persons with HIV, and to religious, legal, and ethical spokespersons.

A human immunodeficiency virus peer education program for adolescent females

Black adolescent females living in urban environments are at high risk for human immunodefiency virus (HIV) infection. Our objectives were to develop an HIV peer education program and to pilot-test its effect on knowledge and sexual behavior. Between September 1989 and March 1990, all females aged 12–19 years attending an inner-city, hospital-based adolescent clinic were invited to meet individually with trained peer educators (10 females aged 16–19 years) to discuss acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and its prevention. Each participant completed a modified version of the AIDS Knowledge and Attitudes Survey immediately before and 2–6 weeks after the counseling session. Of the 283 counseled patients, 241 (85%) completed the follow-up questionnaire and comprised the study sample. Mean age was 15.6 years, mean Hollingshead (parental occupational) score was 3.4, and 216 (90%) patients were black. Baseline knowledge about routes of transmission was high and did not improve on follow-up. Comparison of individual baseline and follow-up responses revealed improvements ( p < 0.05) in routes by which HIV is not transmitted, methods of prevention, individuals at risk, and general information about AIDS. The improvement in total score between baseline and follow-up was 38% for patients with low baseline scores, 13% for middle scores, and 3% for high scores ( p < 0.05). At baseline, 50 (21%) patients reported sexual intercourse within the preceding 2 weeks, compared to 33 (14%) at follow-up ( p < 0.05). Of the sexually active patients, 22 (44%) reported no condom use at baseline, compared to 11 (33%) at follow-up ( p < 0.05). We conclude that peer education for adolescent females improves knowledge about HIV infection and diminishes high-risk sexual behavior.

Developmental Status and AIDS Attitudes in Adolescence

We postulated that among adolescents and young adults, the development of consistent and responsible attitudes with respect to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) precautions would follow a pattern similar to that of the development of a sense of identity. Late-adolescent trainee teachers and nurses (N = 262) were administered identity and intimacy measures and a questionnaire measuring attitudes toward and knowledge of AIDS prevention. Attitudes were shown to be conceptually complex, with dimensions expressing the identity statuses of diffusion, foreclosure, moratorium, and achievement. Few relationships were found between AIDS attitudes and sex, course, measures of identity, or intimacy. However, attitudes toward AIDS precautions and identity status were predictive of future intention to use a condom. Intimacy level was negatively related to such an intention, suggesting that those in steady relationships may not recognize the need for AIDS protection.

Assessment of AIDS knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and risk level of Northwestern American Indians.

A survey was made of 710 American Indians of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to assess the population's knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in respect to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), to estimate the population's risk, and to plan strategies to reduce it. In contrast to 3 percent of the general population, this study found 10.6 percent of male and 6.4 percent of female Pacific Northwestern American Indians in groups considered at high risk for AIDS.

AIDS and student attitudes.

When recently polled, one half of 4,100 physicians believed they had the right not to treat patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and 15% said they would actually refuse to care for them. To assure medical care for the 365,000 AIDS patients projected for the US by 1992, it is imperative to know whether there is something unique about AIDS patients that produces aversion among physicians. We hypothesized that the desire to avoid AIDS patients derived from three fears: fear of contagion, homophobia, and a desire to avoid dying patients. To identify the extent to which these three fears affect the attitudes that students hold toward AIDS patients, we conducted three studies. In our first study, we discovered that students' views about a patient with a terminal illness are the same whether the illness is leukemia or AIDS. In the second study, we found that the patient's sexual preference was not the major reason students would avoid an AIDS patients. In a third study, we confirmed that fear of contagion is the principal cause of students' desire to avoid an AIDS patient. In the course of these studies, we found important differences between the attitudes of male and female students. Female students scored lower on the homophobic scale than male students, and they had less antipathy toward AIDS patients. Helping health care professionals understand their fears toward patients with AIDS will in the long run improve medical care. Since the origins of these fears are for the most part well hidden in our unconscious, dissemination of facts alone will not do the job. Interventions are needed to help health care professionals acknowledge and overcome their negative feelings about AIDS.