Human immunodeficiency virus knowledge and beliefs of healthcare workers
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14528/snr.2026.60.1.3316Keywords:
education, sexually transmitted infections, healthcare workers, stigma, human immunodeficiency virusAbstract
Introduction: Misconceptions about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have long persisted in public perception. The belief that HIV only affects certain groups of people contributes to stigmatisation and social exclusion, and hinders social integration and access to health care. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between healthcare providers' knowledge of HIV infection and healthcare professionals' beliefs about people infected with the virus.
Methods: A quantitative study was conducted. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered to a convenience sample of 166 individuals (87.3% female). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach's α for the subscales created on the basis of factor analysis (0.773 (95% CI [0.705; 0.827]) and 0.746 (95% CI [0.670; 0.807]).
Results: Exploratory factor analysis identified two distinct factors: protective and accusatory beliefs (51.1% variance). Protective beliefs were associated with knowledge about the infection (r = -0.439, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that length of service (b = -0.045, t = -3.065, p = 0.002) and employment status as a registered nurse/healthcare professional (compared to nursing assistant) (b = 1.080, t = 2.43, p = 0.016) were significant predictors of HIV knowledge.
Discussion and conclusion: More frequent training on HIV infection could reduce fear and stigmatisation among healthcare professionals and improve the quality of patient care.
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