Nurses’ perceptions of universal precautions for HIV/AIDS prevention based on health belief model approach

Abstract

Introduction The phenomenon of the increase and spread of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in South Kalimantan is a concern in prevention and treatment efforts. Efforts are directed at behavioral changes, such as changes in perceptions of healthcare workers in implementation of universal precautions for prevention of HIV/AIDS. Material and methods This study aimed to analyze the perception of nurses in implementing the universal precaution measures for prevention of HIV/AIDS using a cross-sectional approach and instrument questionnaire. The study applied primary data taken from all nurses who work in the hospital of Banjarmasin. Results Results showed that the most dominant variables influencing the actions of nurses in the implementation of universal precautions for prevention of HIV/AIDS were perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. It can be concluded that the perception of nurses’ severity, barriers, and benefits can influence the actions of nurses in implementing universal precautions for prevention of HIV/AIDS. Conclusions Efforts are needed to improve the implementation of universal precaution measures by utilizing reward and punishment in the implementation of universal precautions. Nurses need to be re-socialized about universal standard precautions to minimize difficulty in their application.

Keywords

• perceptions
• nurse
• universal precaution
• hiv/aids