CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a profound and far-reaching impact on a global scale. HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, targets and attacks human white blood cells known as T-helper cells, weakening the immune system and making the body susceptible to infections and diseases. While the exact origin of HIV/AIDS is still not definitively known, it is believed to have originated from apes in Africa.
Several theories have been proposed regarding the transmission of HIV from animals to humans, with the "Hunter Theory" being one of the most widely accepted. This theory suggests that the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) found in chimpanzees (SIVcpz) crossed species to humans when infected chimpanzee blood or tissues came into contact with hunters, possibly through cuts or wounds. This transmission likely occurred as a result of hunting and consuming chimpanzee meat.
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had devastating consequences. According to UNAIDS and the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 11 people become infected with HIV every minute, translating to 15,000 new infections daily and over 5.4 million new infections annually. The impact is felt worldwide, with an estimated 38 million people living with HIV/AIDS globally, of which nearly 26 million are aged 15 to 49. In 2003, there were 2.9 million HIV/AIDS-related deaths, with approximately 2.2 million of them occurring in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most severely affected region, with approximately 23.8 to 28.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS as of 2005. South Africa, in particular, has been heavily impacted, with an estimated 5.5 million people living with the virus. In the country's hospitals, a significant portion of admitted patients were found to be HIV-infected. Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, is also grappling with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, having the highest prevalence rate in West Africa and the third-highest prevalence globally, with over 3.6 million people already infected with HIV. The rapid rise in HIV/AIDS cases has created anxiety, tension, and stigmatization among the public and healthcare providers, particularly nurses.
The pandemic has not only claimed lives but also has created a climate of fear and discrimination. HIV/AIDS-related discrimination, especially in healthcare settings, has led to the mistreatment of people living with HIV/AIDS, further exacerbating the challenges of addressing the epidemic. It is essential to continue raising awareness, promoting prevention, and combating the stigmatization associated with HIV/AIDS to effectively manage and eventually control the spread of the virus.
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Statement of the Problem
The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a significant impact on countries around the world, and many nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Germany, have taken proactive steps to prevent, control, and manage the disease. These countries have also provided support and assistance to other nations, particularly in terms of HIV/AIDS prevention and control efforts.
However, despite the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS globally, some regions, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, continue to grapple with challenges related to the disease. In Nigeria, there has been a concerning disregard for the reality of HIV/AIDS. Risky behaviors such as having multiple sexual partners, engaging in casual and unprotected sex, and sharing unsterilized sharp objects remain prevalent. This behavior has contributed to the spread of the virus.
In Akwa Ibom State, despite efforts by the state government and non-governmental organizations to raise awareness through outreach and sensitization programs, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) often hide their status and deny being infected. Many only seek medical attention when they develop opportunistic infections or when they are in the advanced stages of the disease. This reluctance is often attributed to the attitude of healthcare workers, particularly nurses.
The role of nurses in the care and treatment of HIV/AIDS patients is crucial. Nurses are responsible for assisting individuals, whether they are sick or well, in activities that promote recovery or a peaceful death. This assistance is provided in a manner that enhances the patient's independence as quickly as possible.
The observation in General Hospital Oron revealed that PLWHA who were admitted at an advanced stage of the illness were not well attended to. The patients' unkempt appearance and characteristic odor were often associated with their advanced condition, and healthcare providers believed that little could be done to improve their health. This attitude towards patients with advanced HIV/AIDS reflects a significant issue in healthcare provision.
The attitude of nurses and healthcare workers is pivotal in HIV/AIDS care and treatment. Stigmatization and discriminatory practices can deter individuals from seeking timely medical care and adhering to treatment regimens. Addressing and changing these negative attitudes is essential to improve the overall care and support provided to PLWHA and to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. It requires a collective effort from healthcare institutions, healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities to promote understanding, compassion, and the right to access appropriate care for all individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
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Objective of the Study
The general objective of this study is to assess the attitude of nurses towards the care of HIV/AIDS patients (PLWHA) in General Hospital, Oron.
The specific objectives are:
(1) To examine the attitudes exhibited by nurses towards the care of HIV/AIDS patients in General Hospital, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
(2) To identify the reasons responsible for the observed attitudes of nurses towards the care of HIV/AIDS patients.
(3) To identify some of the challenges facing nurses in the hospital when dealing with the HIV/AIDS patients.
Research Questions
(1) What are the various attitudes exhibited by nurses towards the care of HIV/AIDS patients?
(2) What are the reasons for various attitudes of nurses towards HIV/AIDS patients in General Hospital, Oron?
(3) What are the challenges experienced by nurses caring for HIV/AIDS patients?
Significance of the Study
This study will be significant to nurses in particular, and by extension the entire health workers in akwa Ibom State in the following ways:
(1) It will help to evaluate the general attitude of nurses and other health workers towards the care of HIV/AIDS patients.
(2) It will help to promote the need of implementing HIV/AIDS prevention and control strategies e.g testing and counseling, mass media campaigns etc.
(3) It will also help to check discrimination and stigmatization of PLWHA.
(4) It will serve as reference material to researchers for further studies.
(50 It will help to change the negative attitude of health workers (if any) towards the care of HIV/AIDS patients.
Operational Definition of Terms
HIV: Human immune deficiency virus (retro virus)
AIDS: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is a disease caused by a deficiency in the body’s immune system as a result of infection with HIV.
ATTITUDE: A manner of feeling or behaviour that reflects a state of mind or disposition. It is also an expression of favour or disfavor towards a person, place, thing or event.
Scope of the Study
The study is limited to attitude of nurses, reasons for the observed attitudes and challenges of nurses towards the care of HIV/AIDS patients in Oron General Hospital.
