Abstract:

 

Introduction:-

AIDS is a global health problem today. Inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes and risky practices are major hindrances in preventing spread of HIV. Nurses and nursing students are an important component of health care delivery system. Nurses are largest deliverer of health care worldwide. The nursing staff plays a major role in looking after the diagnostic needs, therapeutic help and psychological support of the patients’ So this descriptive cross sectional study was conducted with an objective to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) about HIV/AIDS among final year B.Sc. and GNM nursing Students in College and school of nursing of a tertiary care teaching hospital. 

 

Methodology:-

Data was collected using pre-designed and self-administered questionnaire. Questionnaires were distributed to all the students simultaneously during their regular morning classes. 

 

Results:- 

75.8% of GNM students were found to have a high level of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS compared to 75.3% B.Sc. nursing students. 69.3% of B.Sc. nursing students were found to have a positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS compared to 68.8% of GNM students. 61% of GNM students were found to have safe practices related to HIV/AIDS compared to 56.8% B.Sc. nursing students.

 

Recommendations: - 

Training programmes for nursing students should be organised intermittently to ensure healthy practices. There is a need to provide essential knowledge about HIV/AIDS to students from early age itself.  Implementation of specified, focussed, continued and strengthened Education can improve the knowledge attitudes and bring changes in practices.

 

Keywords:  HIV/AIDS, Nursing students, Knowledge, attitudes and practices.