Abstract

The present study investigated the attitudes, knowledge and fears of a group of 31 speech-language pathologists and audiologists working in 13 hospital settings, concerning patients with AIDS/HIV. Individuals completed an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire assessing self-perceived level of knowledge, actual knowledge of modes of transmission of the AIDS virus and protection procedures, and attitudes and fears associated with treatment of AIDS/HIV patients. Qualitative data concerning responses to this epidemic were also obtained and statistical analyses were completed to determine the relationship between the above mentioned variables. Results indicate that the higher the respondents' level of actual knowledge, the more they reportedly feared the disease. No correlation was found between respondents' level of actual knowledge and their attitudes. Information needs were identified which have important implications for future education. In addition, proposed policy guidelines for speech-language pathologists and audiologists in contact with AIDS/HIV patients, based on the above results of the study are provided.

PIP:

AIDS is a concern for speech-language pathologists and audiologists because some manifestations of the disease underlie communication disorders and because of the shift to a rehabilitative approach in the treatment of AIDS patients. A study was undertaken, therefore, to determine 1) the proportion of speech-language pathologists and audiologists surveyed who have treated patients with HIV/AIDS; 2) the respondents' actual knowledge of protection procedures and modes of transmission, their self-perceived level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and any relationship that exists between actual and self-perceived level of knowledge; 3) respondents' attitudes and fears regarding treatment of HIV/AIDS patients; 4) any relationships that exist between the above factors; and 5) the influence of demographic variables on attitudes, knowledge, and fears. An additional aim of the study was to use these data to draw up policy guidelines regarding the provision of speech and hearing services to people with HIV/AIDS. Data were gathered from questionnaires self-administered by 31 hospital-based speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Data were analyzed using Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficients and chi-square tests. 48.4% of the respondents had treated a person with HIV/AIDS. 45.1% had high knowledge of protection procedures and modes of transmission within an occupational setting. 83.9% felt they knew a moderate amount about HIV/AIDS, and there was no correlation between actual and self-perceived knowledge. While most agreed that AIDS patients were entitled to the same care as other patients, and 68.9% were willing to care for an AIDS patient, only 30% would volunteer to care for an AIDS patient, and 61.3% would be uneasy about it. 59.6% of the respondents had no fear of contracting the disease during routine AIDS patient care, but 48.4% fear the disease more than any other. The higher the knowledge of the practitioner, the greater the fear, and the more positive the attitude, the less fear reported. 64.5% of the respondents wanted more information about AIDS. A proposed set of policy guidelines to ensure the safety of speech-language pathologists and audiologists and to facilitate the provision of high quality care to HIV/AIDS patients is appended to this document.