[Knowledge about AIDS and changes in professional practice by manicurists from Ribeirão Preto]

This study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge of Ribeirão Preto manicurists concerning the general features of AIDS and the changes occurred in their professional procted in consequence to this syndrome. A total of 40 manicurists form Ribeirão Preto-SP were selected, through the telephone number guide and by considering the manicurists indications. The data were collected through individual interview, based on a structured form. The results showed that some professionals have incorrect knowledge about basic notions related to HIV/AIDS (transmission/prevention). We emphasize that sterilization methods used by all of them are not efficient to inactivate HIV.