HIV infection: Fear of contagion, reality of risk

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this presentation at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the Japan Academy of Nursing was to give an overview of the HIV pandemic from global, Asian, and Japanese perspectives and to address the issues related to potential occupational exposure to HIV infection. Selected topics in the areas of prevention, treatment, and care were also addressed. Discussion: The session challenged the audience to understand that, while there is a risk of acquiring HIV infection through occupational exposure, the reality is that health-care workers and others are much more likely to contract HIV through their own personal behaviour. © 2008 Japan Academy of Nursing Science.