Perceptions and Experiences of Nursing Students in Caring for People Living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa: A Qualitative Study
Dublin Core
Title
Perceptions and Experiences of Nursing Students in Caring for People Living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa: A Qualitative Study
Subject
Caring; People Living with HIV (PLHIV); perceptions; role;
nursing student
nursing student
Description
Background: Although previous studies focusing on nurses’ perceptions of caring
for people living with HIV (PLHIV) have been conducted in numerous countries,
little is known about first-year student nurses’ perceptions and experiences
regarding their role in caring for PLHIV in South Africa. To ensure quality care for
PLHIV, it is essential to explore first-year student nurses’ roles in caring for PLHIV.
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of first-year
nursing students on their role in caring for PLHIV in South Africa.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed for this study,
utilizing a purposive sampling method to recruit 18 participants. These participants
were first-year nursing students aged 18 or older, enrolled in a 4-year bachelor’s
degree nursing program, and who had completed clinical placements in hospitals.
Data collection involved two focus group discussions (FGDs), one comprising eight
participants and the other ten participants. Thematic analysis was employed to
analyze the collected data.
Results: Four main themes were drawn from two FGDs, including (1) students’
unpreparedness in their role to care for PLHIV, (2) disclosure practices and student
safety concerns, (3) personal backgrounds and attitudes towards PLHIV care, and
(4) physical and psychological wellbeing of students while caring for PLHIV.
Furthermore, 11 sub-themes were subsequently drawn from these main themes.
Thematic sub-themes and individual focus group responses were relied on to reach
data saturation despite the small number of FGD sessions.
Conclusion: First-year nursing students had negative and positive perceptions
and experiences when caring for PLHIV. There is a need for these students to
acquire adequate theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enhance clinical
preparation for their role in clinical facilities. This could improve their perceptions
regarding caring for PLHIV in the clinical setting and result in improved care.
for people living with HIV (PLHIV) have been conducted in numerous countries,
little is known about first-year student nurses’ perceptions and experiences
regarding their role in caring for PLHIV in South Africa. To ensure quality care for
PLHIV, it is essential to explore first-year student nurses’ roles in caring for PLHIV.
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of first-year
nursing students on their role in caring for PLHIV in South Africa.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory descriptive design was employed for this study,
utilizing a purposive sampling method to recruit 18 participants. These participants
were first-year nursing students aged 18 or older, enrolled in a 4-year bachelor’s
degree nursing program, and who had completed clinical placements in hospitals.
Data collection involved two focus group discussions (FGDs), one comprising eight
participants and the other ten participants. Thematic analysis was employed to
analyze the collected data.
Results: Four main themes were drawn from two FGDs, including (1) students’
unpreparedness in their role to care for PLHIV, (2) disclosure practices and student
safety concerns, (3) personal backgrounds and attitudes towards PLHIV care, and
(4) physical and psychological wellbeing of students while caring for PLHIV.
Furthermore, 11 sub-themes were subsequently drawn from these main themes.
Thematic sub-themes and individual focus group responses were relied on to reach
data saturation despite the small number of FGD sessions.
Conclusion: First-year nursing students had negative and positive perceptions
and experiences when caring for PLHIV. There is a need for these students to
acquire adequate theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enhance clinical
preparation for their role in clinical facilities. This could improve their perceptions
regarding caring for PLHIV in the clinical setting and result in improved care.
Creator
Ruwadzano Dorcas Mabhiza1
, Varshika Bhana1
, Heather Sedibe1
, Varshika Bhana1
, Heather Sedibe1
Source
https://doi.org/10.14710/nmjn.v14i1.52508
Date
27 April 2024
Contributor
PERI IRAWAN
Format
PDF
Language
ENGLISH
Type
TEXT
Files
Collection
Citation
Ruwadzano Dorcas Mabhiza1
, Varshika Bhana1
, Heather Sedibe1, “Perceptions and Experiences of Nursing Students in Caring for People Living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa: A Qualitative Study,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed February 21, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/11231.