Thai nursing students' knowledge and health beliefs about AIDS and use of universal precautions: a cross-sectional descriptive research study.

This study examined Thai nursing students' knowledge and health beliefs about the use of universal precautions to prevent infections, particularly HIV. After providing informed consent, 26 nursing students participated in the study. The students responded to a questionnaire with four sections: demographics, education, knowledge about universal precautions and transmission of HIV, and health belief. Students had substantial knowledge about the transmission of HIV; however they were not confident in the use of universal precautions to prevent transmission. This research will assist occupational health nurses in hospitals and educational institutions develop programs to enhance skills and attitudes to prevent HIV infection.