A critical review of human immunodeficiency virus infection--and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related research: the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of nurses.

This article reviews the research literature related to nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and care of people with AIDs (PWAs). Areas reviewed included the following: (1) KAP studies of health professionals that include nurses; (2) KAP studies of nurses; (3) KAP studies of nursing students and faculty; (4) studies of stress and coping related to care of PWAs; and (5) studies of outcomes of AIDS education programs. Gaps in knowledge and negative, fearful attitudes toward HIV transmission and PWAs were identified. Negative fears and behaviors decreased in nurses with the gain in accurate information. The studies were largely atheoretical descriptive surveys of health professionals in acute care settings. Studies of nurses specifically, including more studies of obstetric and pediatric nurses, and nurses in a range of settings in the community would be beneficial both in the United States and in other countries. A wider variety of research designs including qualitative studies are needed as are valid and reliable instruments to allow for cross-comparisons between studies. An assessment of non-AIDS-related content, such as spiritual needs of patients and substances abuse is needed by nurses who care for PWAs for use in development of relevant educational programs.