Knowledge and attitude of nurses caring for patients with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

Nurses working in a regional hospital represent the largest group of health care workers in Uganda. Four hundred seventy-seven nurses and midwives completed the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) knowledge and attitude surveys (86% response rate). Approximately 95% (n = 452) had provided care to HIV/AIDS patients; yet 86% (n = 388) believed resources to obtain HIV/AIDS information were inadequate. Fear of contagion was great (47%, n = 232). HIV/AIDS knowledge gaps included “precaution and transmission” (64.7%) and “agent and immunology” (53.4%). Knowledgeable respondents had less fear of contagion. Positive attitudes toward patients with HIV/AIDS were displayed despite fear of contagion.