Assessment of the knowledge and attitude of nursing personnel on prevention and control of perinatal transmission of HIV/AIDS in selected Government hospitals in Himachal Pradesh

Background: HIV/AIDS has emerged as a major health problem and challenges to health services. It has grown to a size of pandemic affecting over 17 million persons all over the world. In parts of north east India, widespread injecting drug use helped to spread HIV infection, whilst a different pattern was seen in southern and western states with prevalence levels of 25-71% amongst sex workers in cities including New Delhi, Hyderabad, Vellore and Mumbai. Objective: To Assess of the knowledge and attitude of nursing personnel on prevention and control of perinatal transmission of HIV/AIDS. To find out the relationship between:knowledge and attitude of nursing personnel Design: Co relational research study research Setting: Selected Government hospitals in Himachal Pradesh. Participants/ Patients: The study was conducted in the two selected Government hospitals of Himachal Pradesh from 2009 –2010. Purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of sample subjects. Total sample 100 nursing personnel were enrolled in the study. Material and Methods: A structured knowledge questionnaire was prepared to assess the knowledge of nursing personnel. An extensive review of research literature related to perinatal transmission of HIV/AIDS. Peer group discussion was held. Opinion of experts were sought to ascertain the clarity and appropriateness of the items. A blue print was prepared for specifying the various domains of objectives and content area. Blue print indicates the relative weight-age given in terms of percentage of items for each content area. Structured questionnaire was prepared to determine the attitude of nursing personnel regarding perinatal infection of HIV/ AIDS. Attitude items concerning attitudes related to HIV/AIDS. Sixteen declarative statements were developed. Each statement with five alternative responses:strongly agree, Agree, Neither agree, Nor disagree, Strongly disagree, Disagree and a remarks column. Positive statements were scored 5,4,3,2,1, and negative statements were scored 1,2,3,4,5, respectively. The time taken for completing the structured knowledge questionnaire varied from 40-45 minutes and for attitude questionnaire 7 10 minutes. A pilot study was conducted to see the feasibility and practicability of study. To ensure the content validity of the tool, the questionnaire of knowledge, and attitude were submitted to experts. Comments and suggestions made in the final draft. Permission was taken from ethical committee. Result: Majority of the nursing personnel belonged to the age group below 30 years (68%).Most of them had higher secondary education (53%).Majority of nursing personnel having diploma in nursing (98%).Majority of the nursing personnel having 1 to 5 years of total experience (70%).Majority of the nursing personnel having more 1 to 5 years working experience in maternity unit (69%).Majority of the nursing personnel did not attended any in service education/workshop on HIV/AIDS prevention (59%).Majority of the nursing personnel had workshop on HIV/AIDS and STD prevention (76%).Majority of the nursing personnel had inservice education for 1 05 days (83%).Mean score of knowledge was 23.Median score of Knowledge was 22.S.D. of knowledge was 6.Mean score of attitude was 55.Median score of attitude was 54.S.D of. attitude was 5.86. Conclusion: Findings of the study revealed the majority of nursing personnel had inadequate knowledge regarding prevention and control of perinatal transmission of HIV/AIDS and also revealed positive attitude despite fear, apprehension, and interestingly showed willingness to work with HIV/AIDS client. There is need to plan and conduct accelerated HIV/AIDS training programme which will remove existing apprehension, fear, and prejudices towards HIV/AIDS. That may enhance knowledge; improve attitude and willingness to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for clients with HIV/AIDS.