DefinePK

Abstract

 
Background: Infection-related diseases, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality in Pakistan. Despite advancements in healthcare, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) continue to pose substantial challenges, impacting patient safety and increasing healthcare costs. Nurses, as primary caregivers, play a pivotal role in infection prevention and control (IPC). Understanding their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HIV/AIDS among registered nurses at tertiary care hospitals in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It sought to identify gaps in IPC-related KAP and propose evidence-based strategies for improvement.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire to gather data from 152 registered nurses through convenience sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS to assess the levels of KAP and their influencing factors.
Results: The findings revealed that while 94.1% of nurses correctly identified HIV as the cause of AIDS, misconceptions persisted regarding transmission, such as through mosquito bites (42.1%). The attitudes of nurses varied, with 31.6% preferring not to treat HIV-positive patients. Practices showed gaps in adherence to standard precautions, with only 49.3% consistently following them. Moreover, 44.1% of nurses reported not receiving training on HIV/AIDS prevention.
Conclusion: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address misconceptions, enhance positive attitudes, and improve adherence to IPC practices among nurses. Strengthening educational programs and providing regular training on HIV/AIDS prevention can significantly improve patient safety and healthcare outcomes.