ATTITUDES TOWARD INDIVIDUALS WITH HIV - A COMPARISON OF MEDICAL STAFF, NURSES, AND STUDENTS

Earlier studies have found consistently negative attitudes toward individuals with AIDS among health professionals and students. Additional research is needed to examine more current attitudes as well as demographic factors that might be significantly associated with more positive attitudes toward individuals with HIV. Using a standardized and well-validated attitudes instrument, we surveyed 496 health professionals and 263 medical and nursing students in a large Southeastern medical center to assess their attitudes toward individuals with HIV. The majority of health professionals and students reported tolerant attitudes toward individuals with HIV, and no significant differences in attitudes were found between medical staff, nurses, and students. More positive attitudes toward individuals with HIV were significantly associated with more AIDS education for medical staff, lower perceived risk of occupational exposure for nurses, and lower perceived risk of occupational exposure, less AIDS education, and younger age for students. Results demonstrate more favorable attitudes than have been reported in earlier literature. The need for biopsychosocial in-service training programs that address the multidimensional aspects of HIV/AIDS, including attitudes, attributions, and personal safety concerns of health professionals, is highlighted.