Reactions by students and nursing staff towards the care of patients with suspected or confirmed diagnosis of AIDS

Abstract

The present study was proposed with study was proposed with the objective of examining the perception by students and nursing staff concerning the assistence to the patient with suspected or confirmed diagnosis of AIDS. The conclusions taken were that most of the subjects inquired showed fear when assisting such patients. This behaviour is justified by the lack of adequate training and knowledge about the disease, as well as by the transmitable and incurable nature of the disease. It was also noticed that both students and nursing staff recognize that the patient affected by AIDS deserves respect and needs psychological, social and spiritual support.