Influence of a persuasive strategy on nursing students' beliefs and attitudes toward provision of care to people living with HIV/AIDS

J Nurs Educ. 2001 Nov;40(8):354-8. doi: 10.3928/0148-4834-20011101-06.

Abstract

Based on the theory of planned behavior and the elaboration likelihood model, the aim of this study was to verify the effect of persuasive messages on nursing students' beliefs and attitudes regarding provision of care to people living with HIV/AIDS. The assumption was that a persuasive communication strategy induces a constructive change in beliefs and attitudes regarding provision of care. Baseline data collection was performed among a group of 74 nursing students (experimental group = 27; control group = 47). The questionnaire assessed the variables of the theory of planned behavior (i.e., beliefs, attitudes, perceived behavioral control). The results confirmed that persuasive messages generated a change in beliefs and attitudes of the nursing students concerning providing care to people living with HIV/AIDS. It appears that this strategy of modifying behavioral predispositions is effective and generates cognitive and affective changes. Therefore, educational programs should take these observations into consideration to ensure that future nurses are better prepared to provide appropriate care to people living with HIV/AIDS.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / methods*
  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / standards
  • Educational Measurement
  • Fear
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / nursing*
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nursing Education Research
  • Persuasive Communication*
  • Prejudice
  • Professional Competence / standards
  • Program Evaluation
  • Psychological Theory
  • Refusal to Treat
  • Students, Nursing / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universal Precautions