Perceptions of professional nurses in rural hospitals of the Limpopo province regarding nursing care of patients with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Abstract

This was a qualitative study conducted in one regional and two district hospitals in the rural areas of the Limpopo Province. Its purpose was to explore and describe the perceptions of HIV/AIDS trained professional nurses regarding nursing care that is rendered to PLWHA in their own wards or units. Three rural hospitals of the Limpopo Province, one regional and two district hospitals participated in the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the wards and professional nurses who participated in the study. A total of three focus group discussion were conducted, one at each hospital. Individual interviews were conducted with professional on what they consider to be good and proper nursing care for HIV positive patients. The participants were of the view that nursing care for HIV and AIDS patients should be non-discriminatory, following precautionary measures to protect patient, self and other, giving health education, support and counselling and maintain confidentiality. Knowledge of HIV and AIDS, respect for human dignity, trusting nurse-patient relationship, and confidence in the caring relationship were identified as the main contributory factors to giving good nursing care to HIV-positive patients. To improve the quality of care for PLWHA all nurses working in the wards should have advanced knowledge and skills in the care of HIV and AIDS patients. © 2012 Maluleke TX, et al.