KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF STUDENTS MAJORING IN NURSING TOWARD HIV/AIDS

*Yu -Kyung Park

ABSTRACT

It is a descriptive study conducted to offer basic data for providing effective nursing for patients with AIDS and foster professionals in the health care field by identifying the knowledge and attitude of students majoring in nursing about HIV/AIDS (AIDS). This study used 146 students majoring in nursing at a university in U city and a survey was conducted from March 1 to March 30, 2019. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 21.0 version for windows. Knowledge scores were significantly different by age (F=6.31, p=<. 001), grade (F=14.98, p=<. 001), and AIDS education experience (t=3.52, p=< .001). Attitude toward AIDS was significantly different by grade (F=4.10, p=<. 001) and the confidence in nursing patients with AIDS (t=-2.26, p=<. 025). There was a significant correlation (r=.260. p=<.010) between AIDS knowledge and attitudes about AIDS. AIDS is becoming more serious worldwide, and the number of AIDS infectees is increasing in South Korea. Since knowledge about AIDS is in proportion to education level and views and attitudes are affected by knowledge, it is necessary to provide systematic education by preparing more active education programs to prevent AIDS infection of college students.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, knowledge, and attitude.