Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Hiv/Aids Counseling and Testing among Nursing Science Students in Imo State University

Ezeama, M. C.^1*, Akalonu, A. P.¹, Nnorom, R. M.¹, Nwosu, D. C.², Nwanjo, H. U.², Amah, H.² & Obasi, C. C.³

¹Department of Nusring Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri
²Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri
³Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri

Dr. Ezeama, M. C., Department of Nusring Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri.

Keywords: Knowledge of HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Attitude; Practice of Nursing Science Students

Abstract

HIV/AIDS counseling and testing is a very significant strategy used in the prevention, treatment and control of HIV/AIDS. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of HIV/AIDS counseling and testing among nursing science students in Imo State University Owerri, Orlu Campus. Target population is 400 level students. Data “were collected using semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed, described and presented using frequency and percentage table.
Result
Findings showed that majority of the nursing students 79(100%) had heard good of the knowledge of HIV/AIDS counseling and testing 20(25.3%) said they heard about HIV/AIDS counseling and testing from school, 55(69.6%) of the respondents agreed that it is important for nursing students to know their HIV/AIDS status also on the practice of HIV/AIDS counseling and testing 58(73.4%o) of nursing science students said that they are worried about contacting HIV/AIDS infection while 32(40.5%) said that they are not worried about contacting it. In determining attitude towards knowing ones HIV status 55(69.6%) 90 Agreed, 14(17.7%) Disagree, 10(12.7%) were undecided about it. In respondents 30(38%) Agreed that HIV testing counseling reduce infection while 27(34.2%) disagreed and 22(27.9%) where undecided about it. Respondents showing that they are at risk of acquiring HIV infection in their career is 47(59.5%) while 32(40.5%) respondents said they are not. Respondents showing those that are worried about HIV/AIDS infection are 58(73.4%) while 21(26.6%) are not worried about it. Respondents that said yes that it is good for nursing students to go for HIV/AIDS testing was 51(64.6%) while 11(13.9%) said no and 17(21%) don’t know. 400 level students that have gone for HIV/AIDS testing 47(59.5%o) while 32(40.59%) have not yet. Respondents that have heard about HIV/AIDS is 79(100%), 13(16.5%) have heard about HIV/AIDS counseling and testing 13(16.5%) from radio, 8(10.1%o) from television, 3(3.8%) from newspaper, 2(2.5%) from magazine, 6(7.6%) from books, 5(6.3%) from posters, 7(8.9%) from clothing, 4(5.1%) from drama, 20(25.3%) from school and 11(13.9%) from hospital.

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