Jordan's vulnerability: a population at risk of HIV/AIDS

This paper describes the findings of an ethnographic study that sought to explore the influence of HIV/AIDS on the practice of primary care nurses in Jordan. The study was undertaken in three (3) rural and three (3) urban comprehensive primary health care centres. Data collection included participant observation, key informant interviews, field notation and document analysis. These data informed the development of descriptive ethnographic accounts that allowed for the subsequent identification of common and divergent themes reflective of factors recognized as influencing the practice of nurses. The findings indicate that the ability of the nurses to raise awareness and therefore reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS is unrealistic. Data shows that the population is at risk because the nurses' knowledge and skill base is inadequate and the health care facilities are crippled by limited human and physical resources. Poor management and the lack of localised leadership are also factors identified as contributing to the vulnerability of Jordanians. Enhanced commitment from the Ministry of Health and the senior nursing administration in Jordan is required if the comprehensive primary health care centres are to meet expectations and improve health outcomes of the population. Funding must be directed to improve the infrastructure of the comprehensive primary health care centres and adequate concurrent funds provided for the purchase of non-capital items. It is crucial that support be made available to up-skill the nursing staff and superior recruitment and retention initiatives implemented to address the current nursing shortages.