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Social workers' knowledge about AIDS: a national survey.
1University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, Lawrence 66045.
Social Work
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Social workers demonstrate limited knowledge regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, with less than half of questions answered correctly. Further education is needed, especially concerning the epidemic's impact on diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Social Work Education
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) represent significant public health challenges.
- Social workers play a crucial role in supporting individuals and communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the extent of social workers' knowledge about HIV infection.
- To identify specific areas where social workers' understanding of HIV/AIDS is lacking.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 500 National Association of Social Workers members in July 1988.
- A response rate of 75.8% (379 participants) was achieved, with the sample deemed representative.
Main Results:
- Social workers answered less than half of the questions regarding HIV infection correctly, indicating substantial knowledge gaps.
- Knowledge was highest concerning virus transmission and lowest regarding the epidemic's impact on specific populations.
- Few respondents cited professional reasons for needing HIV/AIDS knowledge, despite its pervasive nature.
Conclusions:
- Social workers require enhanced education and training on HIV infection and AIDS.
- Targeted educational initiatives should address knowledge deficits, particularly concerning the impact on vulnerable groups.
- Emphasizing the professional imperative for HIV/AIDS knowledge is essential for social work practice.