Knowledge, perception and practice with regards to occupational risks of HIV/AIDS among nursing and midwifery students in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Nursing and midwifery students constitute a subgroup of health care providers exposed to occupational risk of HIV infection because of direct contact with blood and body fluids during clinical practice. The occupational risk faced by these students is of serious concern, given their limited experience and proficiency in nursing care skills. This study was carried out to provide important baseline data about knowledge, perception and practice with regards to occupational risks of HIV/AIDS among 359 nursing and 120 midwifery students (N = 479) in Ibadan, Nigeria. The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather information from nursing and midwifery students. The result showed a poor knowledge of WHO recommended universal precaution for preventing HIV transmission among students in all the schools. Students of the schools of midwifery performed more highrisk occupational practices compared to those in the nursing schools, but received less supervision