A literature review to explore the knowledge and attitudes of health care workers to HIV and AIDS
27.03.00
Sandra Smith, Health Adviser
Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Ynysmaerdy, Llantrisant, South Wales CF72 8XR
01443 443597
If the research work is complete, when was it completed?
April 1999.
If the research has been published, please give details
Submitted as part fulfilment of the M.Sc. in Sexual Health and Reproductive Studies.
Summary of research topic
The dissertation describes a review of the literature on the impact of knowledge and attitudes of health care professionals in relation to HIV and AIDS and the barriers affecting the quality of caring for people with the disease.
People with AIDS (PWA) not only have to face the biophysical consequences of a terminal disease, but also the social impact or stigma, associated with this illness. This paper found that health care professionals’ knowledge is increasing over time, as they become more familiar with treating people with AIDS. However, there remain gaps in education and training, which clearly need to be addressed, as HIV and AIDS remain the epidemic of our time.
The dissertation concludes with implications for practice.