AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among 629 registered nurses at a Minnesota hospital: a descriptive study.

Since nurses play a pivotal role in many aspects of healthcare delivery, their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior in relation to AIDS are crucial. A descriptive study was done to discover the AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among registered nurses who practice in a hospital setting, and to describe the relationship of these findings with other variables. A 67-item survey was sent to 704 registered nurses at a 455-bed acute care teaching hospital and its associated clinics. The results indicated there is a considerable level of misinformation, mistrust, and fear regarding AIDS among RNs practicing in the hospital setting.