Abstract:
240 staff nurses from the Colombo south general hospital were interviewed to assess
whether they have adequate knowledge,positive attitudes and good practices to care for HIV
infection/AIDS patients without fear and prejudice.Two group,the recently passed out
nurses(less than 10 years work experience) and older nurses(more than 10 years work
experience) were compared to see whether there was significant difference in their
knowledge,on HIV infection/AIDS.It was found that the overall knowledge on HIV
infection/AIDS was inadequate.But the younger nurses were significantly better than the
older nurses.p0.05.Most of the nurses had negative attitudes towards HIV/AIDS
patients,their rights and ethical issues.There was no significant difference between the
younger and older nurses in their attitudes. Younger nurses were biased by older nurses
attitudes and social prejudices.Practice of universal precautions were poor among all nurses
with no significant difference between the two groups.Nurses attributed this lack to
unavailability of masks gowns and gloves.
