Nurses' knowledge and skills about caring for patients with HIV/AIDS in Osun state.

Nurses' knowledge about HIV/AIDS and skills regarding the care of patients with HIV/AIDS were assessed with a view to determine whether or not there is improvement, over the years in Osun state. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select 472 registered nurses from Federal, State and Local government health institutions who completed a self-administered questionnaire. A majority (80.3%) of nurses in the sample, most especially in the teaching hospitals, was knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and was skillful in caring for patients with HIV/AIDS. However, knowledge deficit was recorded on the organ targeted by AIDS virus, available diagnostic tests, inactive agents and drugs used for treating patients with HIV/AIDS. The majority (60%) felt that there was a need to update their knowledge and skills in the care of patients with HIV/AIDS through public lectures.