Attitude of Nurses in Mulago Hospital Burns Unit to HIV/AIDS Burns Patients

Abstract

Background: Immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have constituted a major challenge and concern worldwide. This is especially of concern among the health workers who take care of these patients. To prevent occupational HIV infection in health professionals, a comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS is very essential.
Methods: This study was carried out to assess the attitude of Nurses working in burns units to HIV/AIDS burns patients. In a cross sectional descriptive studies 41 questionnaires were distributed among nurses working in the unit and only 30 questionnaires were filled and returned.
Result: 87.5% believed the prevalence of HIV was high in Uganda 68.8% said they could be infected while taking care of the patient , 100% that all burns patients should be screened for HIV. 37.5% believed knowledge of the HIV status would affect the professional duty to them but would still dress with precautions.
Conclusion/Recommendations: There is need to educate and teach nurses to adhere to the universal precaution against blood born diseases as a matter of routine and not only in those that turn out HIV positive.