Acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Knowledge, experiences, and attitudes of hospital-based registered nurses.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Because of the rapidly increasing number of people affected by acquired immune deficiency syndrome, an increasing number of health care providers are involved. The knowledge, experiences, and attitudes of hospital-based registered nurses can affect the quality and quantity of care provided people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

GOALS

To determine the knowledge, experiences, and attitudes about acquired immune deficiency syndrome of registered nurses employed in hospitals in Oklahoma and delineate changes in that knowledge and attitudes over time. This should provide a measure of the preparedness of hospital-based registered nurses in Oklahoma to facilitate initial and continued care of people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

This study surveyed hospital-based registered nurses in Oklahoma in 1986 and again in 1994. In 1986, 75 (51%) of the hospitals and 446 (68% response rate) of the registered nurses participated in the study. In 1994, 85 (53%) of the hospitals and 564 (74% response rate) of the registered nurses participated in the study. The study sample demographics closely matched the state and national populations of hospital-based registered nurses.

RESULTS

The average scores on general and clinical knowledge tests increased significantly from 1986 to 1994. In general, infection control registered nurses had statistically significantly greater knowledge than did registered nurses assigned to other areas of work. However, deficiencies were evident in specific areas of knowledge. The attitudes of registered nurses toward people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome have become more positive since 1986. Some confusion and unjustifiable fear may exist among some registered nurses regarding certain aspects of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

The hospital-based registered nurses in Oklahoma have increased their preparedness to facilitate initial and continued care of people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Because of the representative sample of this study, that conclusion probably is applicable to the nation.