Abstract
Scand J Caring Sci; 2009; 23; 282-289 Nursing students' attitudes towards HIV/AIDS patients in Finland, Estonia and Lithuania This paper presents baseline data on attitudes towards HIV/AIDS patients and homophobic levels among nursing students in three Baltic Sea countries: Finland, Estonia and Lithuania. The aim is to describe and compare nursing students' attitudes in these three countries and to explore how attitudes towards HIV/AIDS correlate with background variables. The total sample comprised 471 nursing students. The respondents demonstrated average attitude scores towards patients with HIV/AIDS and rather positive attitudes towards homosexually oriented patients. Significant country differences were found, with Finnish nursing students showing the most positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS patients and homosexually oriented patients. Previous experience of HIV/AIDS patients was the single factor with the greatest positive impact on nursing students' attitudes. Nursing students' willingness to provide care for an HIV/AIDS patient was associated with a positive attitude towards these patients. Length of employment experience correlated negatively with general attitude, and older nursing students with more work experience showed a more negative attitude towards homosexual patients. Proper education to achieve a sound knowledge base and good nursing skills promotes a more positive attitude to HIV/AIDS. It is important that nursing students are sensitive and show respect for the patient's human dignity. There is need for greater harmonization of education in the three countries.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 282-289 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jun 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Attitudes
- Estonia
- Finland
- HIV/AIDS
- Knowledge
- Lithuania
- Nursing students
- Quantitative
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health