Sestrinski glasnik, Vol. 30 No. 3, 2025.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.11608/sgnj.30.3.1
Knowledge and Attitudes of Healthcare Workers in the Cantonal Hospital Zenica (Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina) about HIV Infection
Larisa Jovanović
orcid.org/0009-0003-7760-2595
; Medicinska škola Zenica, Crkvice bb, 72 000 Zenica, Bosna i Hercegovina
Lejla Čalkić
orcid.org/0000-0001-7152-6497
; Sveučilište/Univerzitet „Vitez“ Fakultet zdravstvenih studija, Školska 23, 30 000 Travnik, Bosna i Hercegovina
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: By appearance of the HIV epidemic in the world has led to increasing concern and fear among healthcare workers due to possible infection while performing professional activities.
Aim: This research aims to analyze the level of knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals about HIV infection, correlation, and their influence on reducing stigma and discrimination.
Methods: Prospective research conducted through a voluntary and anonymous survey of employees of three departments of the Zenica County Hospital, during 2024. Attitudes were examined using a modified three-point Likert scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test (p<0.05). To determine the correlation coefficient of the variables "knowledge" and "attitudes", the Pearson correlation coefficient was used.
Results: The study involved 120 employees, 59.2% female. The average age of employers was 35 years. By profession, the majority were nurses (74.1%). The average length of service was 11 years. Most employees had no HIV education and believed that they needed education (p<0.05). Despite relatively good knowledge about HIV (p<0.05), there is the presence of some stigmatizing attitudes. The correlation between knowledge and attitudes (0.136) reveals a complex picture in which the mere possession of knowledge is not enough to form positive attitudes (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Continuous education of healthcare workers must go beyond simple information transfer. It is necessary to shape attitudes through sensitization, development of empathy, and professional ethics.
Keywords
HIV infection; Healthcare Workers; Ethics
Hrčak ID:
340431
URI
Publication date:
8.12.2025.
Visits: 788 *