The Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceived Support of Tanzanian Nurses When Caring for Patients With AIDS

Abstract

Tanzania has one of the highest incidences. In the literature on AIDS, much attention has been paid to the Western health care workers' knowledge of and attitudes toward AIDS. Little is known of the knowledge and attitudes of health care workers of other countries. This study provides a descriptive and comparative examination of Tanzanian nurses' knowledge of, and attitudes toward AIDS and their perceived support when caring for patients with AIDS. A self-completing questionnaire was used to collect data. Questionnaires, were completed and returned by 172 of the 180 nurses to whom they were distributed, a response rate of 95.5%. Data analysis included descrip~ive statistics, ~-test, Pearson correlation analysis of variance and multiple regression. The research revealed that 96% of Tanzanian nurses appeared to have satisfactory level of knowledge about AIDS; however, they are overly cautious and have negative attitudes toward the care of patients with HIV/AIDS. They indicated fear of contagion (AIDSphobia). Unlike nurses In other studies, most nurses indicated that they had a supportive working environment (informal support groups) In their working areas. Further, they received support from their family and friends. It is apparent from these results that more effort must be expended in the education program of Tanzanian nurses if negative attitudes about caring for patients with AIDS are to change to positive attitudes so that quality care to patients can be provided. x