The Relationships between Knowledge, Attitude and Prevention Behaviors to AIDS in Nurses

간호사의 AIDS에 대한 지식, 태도 및 예방적 행위

Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and prevention behavior to AIDS of nurses. Method: The subject of this study were 217 nurses in Busan. Data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and Scheffe's test. Results: Total knowledge of AIDS(mean score was 6.71 out of 12) was average. Total attitudes of AIDS(mean score was 13.16 out of 25)was average. Prevention behaviors were above average(mean score was 57.63 out of 75). According to the results of analyzing the difference between general characteristics of the subject and AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and prevention behaviors, a significant difference was present with religion(p<.05) in attitudes score; with age(p<.001), marital status(p<.001), education level(p<.05), position(p<.05) and clinical experience(p<.05) in prevention behaviors. According to the results of analyzing the difference between AIDS related characteristics of the subject and AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and perceived behaviors, a significant difference was present with experience in taking care of HIV/AIDS patients(t=2.19, p<.05) in attitudes score; and experience in HIV positive after care(t=-2.64, p<.01) and general nursing training about AIDS(t=2.23, p<.01). There was a positive correlation among knowledge score and attitudes score(r=.170, p<.05). Conclusion: These findings suggested that AIDS education and training programs should be developed and run for nurses. Expecially, health education related with AIDS is needed in young and less experienced nurses. In following such a program, there will be greater compliance with prevention behaviors. Furthermore, it is necessary to provide work-related guidelines regarding AIDS for nurses.