Mode of acquiring AIDS and nurses' intention to provide care

The intention of 322 staff nurses to provide care to male patients who acquired AIDS either through sexual activity with males, sexual activity with females, sharing needles, or a blood transfusion was examined. For each mode of acquiring AIDS, respondents indicated their intent to perform 11 care-giving behaviors, whether they were comfortable performing the behaviors, and if they felt in danger by performing the behaviors. No statistically significant differences related to mode of acquiring AIDS were found in nurses' intention to provide care. Comfort was the only significant predictor of intent to provide care.