[The nurse's role in AIDS]

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) constitutes a problem of exceptional proportions for international public health. At the end of the 20th century, it is almost as if a kind of plague has stricken the world. Nurses have an important role to play in facing AIDS. Specific interventions relevant to their abilities are required at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention. At the primary level, education of prevention behaviors takes precedence. At the secondary level, when an individual has acquired the HIV virus, nurses can help by teaching healthy behaviors for living with the virus. Counselling, and giving health information and support on somatic complaints are important components. At the tertiary level, nursing interventions are much more intense as promotion of the quality of the individual's life takes precedence. This includes helping the person deal with catastrophic fears, anger, sadness and discouragement. Throughout the process, the attitudes of nurses to persons infected with the HIV virus are important. Openness and a nonjudgmental approach are required if a helping relationship is to be established. The author presents an opportunity for readers to explore their values. Initially developed by Kelly et al., four case studies are presented along with a questionnaire and measurement tool.