HEALTH-CARE WORKERS AND HIV AIDS - A CRITICAL-REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE/

This paper reviews the extensive literature which looks at the impact of HIV/AIDS on health care workers (HCWs). The knowledge and attitudes of HCWs toward people with HIV/AIDS and other relevant attitudes, for example those regarding male homosexuality have been widely studied w hereas attitudes to intravenous drug use are perhaps under-investigate d. Three major themes of the literature are examined. These are fear o f infection, beliefs about the right to refuse care and the stresses a ssociated with caring for HIV positive people. A number of educational interventions which attempt to change HCWs attitudes and beliefs are reviewed. Some notable gaps in the literature are identified. Neglecte d areas include attitudes to women, people of colour and consideration of the organizational and societal factors mediating the impact of HI V upon healthcare workers. Limitations of the research techniques used are identified and future implications for health care workers are co nsidered.