Perinatal nurses were surveyed to determine their knowledge, attitudes, and fears concerning AIDS. Nurses' knowledge correlated positively with attendance at conferences and in-service programs. More than 85% of the respondents reported moderate to high fear of AIDS. No correlation was found between knowledge and self-reported fear scores. A discrepancy occurred between the nurses' beliefs that persons with AIDS deserve the same care as any other patient and the nurses' willingness to volunteer to care for these patients. Further research to test and evaluate coping strategies to help perinatal nurses care for mothers and newborns with AIDS must be conducted.

This study explored the attitudes, knowledge, and fears of occupational therapists and certified occupational therapy assistants regarding AIDS and HIV. The 119 respondents' scores related to knowledge and fear revealed that many had significant fears about AIDS, which in turn may inhibit their willingness to care for persons with AIDS. The respondents also indicated a need for specific information about the condition, including current research data and information on infection control.

A study of 177 baccalaureate nursing students was conducted to explore their knowledge, fears, beliefs and other attitudes regarding AIDS. Lazarus' theory related to coping with threatening events provided the theoretical framework. Students with a high fear score were less willing to care for AIDS patients, had higher knowledge scores, and were more homophobic. While 96.6% of the students felt that AIDS patients are entitled to the same care as any other patient, 49% preferred not to care for AIDS patients. Thirty-six percent thought nursing students should not be assigned to care for AIDS patients. Most of the students (70.6%) got their information about AIDS from the media. Nursing faculty must respond by including current, correct information when instructing students about AIDS. Faculty also need to provide opportunities for students to ask questions and share their fears regarding AIDS.