Attitudes and willingness of student nurses towards caring for HIV-infected patients in Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga Province

• Main Author: Sehume, Odilia Monica Mamane
• Other Authors: Zungu, L.I.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: HIV-infection; Attitude; Willingness; Student nurses; 362.196979200968278; HIV-positive persons > Care > Gert Sibande District Municipality > South Africa; Nursing students > South Africa > Gert Sibande District Municipality > Attitudes; AIDS (Disease) > Patients > Care > South Africa > Gert Sibande District Municipality
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/8799

Background: Literature has shown that negative attitudes and unwillingness to care for HIV-infected patients are prevailing among healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and willingness of student nurses towards caring for HIV-infected patients in some public hospitals in Gert Sibande district, Mpumalanga. Method: A contextual exploratory quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among student nurses enrolled for a four-year nursing qualification in a nursing college at Mpumalanga province. Self-administered questionnaires were completed after obtaining an informed consent. Results: A total of 122 (70.9%) students participated in this survey. Findings showed that most participants had positive attitudes 66 (52.7%) and were willing 121 (99.1%) to care for HIV-infected patients. Significant associations were revealed between participants’ previous HIV testing (p=0.012), age group (p=0.009), and their willingness to provide care to HIV-infected patients. Conclusion: Results showed a generally positive attitude and willingness by participants to care for HIV-infected patients. === Health Studies === M.A. (Health Studies)