Exploring the perceived competency levels of HIV/AIDS management among student nurses from selected nursing education institutions in the eThekwini municipality.

Abstract

Background Globally, there is a changing landscape of healthcare, which is more pronounced in developing countries, including South Africa. This is a result of the battle against HIV and AIDS as well as the sudden increase in non-communicable diseases. South Africa has the highest HIV statistics in the region. The rapid rise in HIV infections has resulted in a shift of requirements in the preparation of nurses who are within the community orientated driven nature of health care in South Africa. Nurses are at the forefront of health care service delivery; therefore, the purpose of the study was to explore the perceived competency levels of HIV and AIDS management among student nurses from selected nursing education institutions in the eThekwini Municipality. Research methodology A non-experimental descriptive design based on the positivism paradigm was used. Using a quantitative approach, the questionnaires were used to collect data from 129 participants from two nursing education institutions in the eThekwini Municipality. Ethical principles were observed throughout the study. Data was analysed using the version 24 SPSS software. Results Most HIV and AIDS, 90.7% were females and 54.3% were at 3rd year of training. Ninety five point three percent had experience in caring for PLWH. Results showed that 50.4% of the participants had adequate level of knowledge on foundational knowledge level and 76.5% had adequate skills in health provision. In health promotion, 85.7% had adequate level of knowledge whilst for leadership skills, 64% had adequate skills. Results also showed that 83.9% had good skills in handling ethical issues related to HIV and AIDS. In research, 54% reported they had adequate skills. The findings revealed that while clinical exposure was limited and time allocated for teaching and learning of HIV and AIDS care was short, content was extensive. Two themes emerged from open ended questions. They were the need for updates and integration of HIV and AIDS management from first to fourth year of training. Recommendations Recommendations are related to the integration of HIV and AIDS content into the curriculum, the ways of strengthening the process of developing the required HIV and AIDS management in the clinical settings and the need for further research.