Thai Nurses' Attitudes Towards HIV/AIDS Patients and Drug Users
Author Information
Author(s): Chan Kit Yee, Stoové Mark A, Reidpath Daniel D
Primary Institution: Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne
Hypothesis
How do Thai nurses' attitudes towards injecting drug users influence their perceptions of patients living with HIV/AIDS?
Conclusion
Reducing the stigma associated with illicit drug use may improve attitudes towards patients living with HIV/AIDS.
Supporting Evidence
- Nurses expressed that drug users are seen as irresponsible and harmful to the community.
- Participants believed that reducing stigma towards drug users could improve care for HIV/AIDS patients.
- Many nurses felt that their professional duty conflicted with societal views on drug users.
Takeaway
Nurses in Thailand often see drug users as bad people, which makes them less likely to help patients with HIV/AIDS who have a history of drug use.
Methodology
Semi-structured interviews with twenty Thai trainee and qualified nurses.
Potential Biases
Nurses' personal biases may affect their professional care towards patients with HIV/AIDS.
Limitations
The study may not represent all nurses in Thailand and is limited to a specific cultural context.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 27 years, with 14 females and varying clinical experience.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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