KAP Study Concerning HIV/AIDS among Nursing Students, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia | ||||
| Journal of High Institute of Public Health | ||||
| Article 13, Volume 30, Issue 2, April 2000, Page 391-404 | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/jhiph.2000.314923 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
| Ahmed M. A. Mandil1; Shadia M. Aboul-Azm2; Ahmed A. Bahnassy1; Laila A. Bashawri3 | ||||
| 1Family & Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia | ||||
| 2Nursing Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia | ||||
| 3Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Health professionals, especially nurses, are faced by the potential occupational risk of contracting HIV, through their daily work. It is important to understand their KAP towards the disease, in order to better prepare them to protect themselves on one hand, and be able to care for AIDS patients on the other. This work aimed at investigating the knowledge of Saudi nursing students conerning HIV/AIDS, their attitudes towards and practices in dealing with AIDS patients. The study followed a cross-sectional approach, using a specially-designed self-administered questionnaire, for 2nd - 4th year nursing students, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. SPSS-PC software was used for data analysis. The results reflected variable knowledge levels concerning protective measures from HIV infection [53 - 82 %], transmission methods [77 - 92%] and terminal disinfection procedures [13-42%]. Most of the nursing students [75.7-85.5%] agreed that they should be informed about the patients seropositivity; have HIV/AIDS educational exposure; be acquainted with hospital procedures in dealing with hazardous medical wastes; are more likely to use gloves and adopt safety precautions [because of AIDS]; and wish they were working in an area with less blood-handling. About half the nursing students [43.2%] asked for isolation and stigmatization of AIDS patients. Around one third [28.4-35.1 %] of them would refuse to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or indwell a catheter to AIDS patients. In spite of the fact that the study was cross-sectional, yet the data suggest potentially modifiable factors, associated with AIDS-related KAP, using appropraite interventions. For students, intensive training, with respect to different aspects of HIV/AIDS epidemiology, prevention and control methods is mandatory, with special emphasis on the true magnitude of the occupational risk involved, and safe methods for dealing with HIV/AIDS patients. Relief of unnecessary fear of contagion should be emphasized, so long recommended infection control procedures are undertaken and adhered to. Faculty and nursing professionals are recommended to participate in different related CME programs, to always remain on top of recent developments in the field, and act as role models for their students and trainees, respectively. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| KAP Study; HIV/AIDS; Nursing Students; Eastern Province; Saudi Arabia | ||||
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