AIDS-related experience, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs amongst nurses in an area with a high rate of HIV infection.

The results are presented of a survey of the AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of a random sample of 600 qualified nurses in the Lothian Region of Scotland. This locality is characterized by a high rate of detected HIV infection which is mainly associated with intravenous drug use. This study indicated that 64% of respondents had contact with HIV-infected patients and that 48% had nursed people with AIDS. Levels of AIDS-related knowledge were not high and a substantial proportion of nurses reported lacking basic AIDS information and professional support to enable them to work effectively with people who have AIDS.