Nurses' knowledge about AIDS in Erie County, New York: a research brief.

This study describes knowledge about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among a random sample of 581 registered nurses in Erie County, New York. Data were gathered by mailed questionnaires that included items about the epidemiology, pathophysiology, transmission, and treatment of AIDS. Substantial deficiencies in knowledge were observed. The mean score on an index of knowledge was slightly less than 70%. Respondents were most knowledgeable about the transmission of AIDS and least knowledgeable about issues pertaining to treatment and care. Nurses who had cared for patients with AIDS scored significantly higher overall than those without experience. These data document the need to provide continuing education programs for nurses to prepare them to meet the needs of the increasing AIDS crisis.