U.S. Nurse Practitioner Beliefs About Routine HIV Screening: Predicting Behaviors

J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2019 May-Jun;30(3):270-278. doi: 10.1097/JNC.0000000000000014.

Abstract

HIV is a preventable infection. Effective HIV prevention interventions, which include routine HIV screening, have reduced HIV transmission. As health care providers, nurse practitioners (NPs) have a role in screening for HIV. In this study, we explored NP attitudinal, social normative (expectation and priority), and behavioral control (perceived barriers and facilitators) beliefs that predicted their self-reported HIV screening behaviors. The Theory of Planned Behavior guided the study. Data from 141 NPs were collected through a cross-sectional, paper and pencil survey. Findings revealed that the belief that "my office staff supports routine HIV screening with my patients" predicted HIV screening, whereas the belief that "consent from a parent/guardian should be obtained before screening for HIV in a person younger than 18 years" predicted less HIV screening. Nurse practitioners identified social normative expectations to be most influential in predicting their routine HIV screening behaviors.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Nurse Practitioners / psychology*