AIDS training and social services

Abstract

To be effective, AIDS training must be based on an understanding of the specific requirements of participants. Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour concerning AIDS have been investigated among the general public and a variety of health care professionals, but the needs of Social Services Department personnel have not been directly addressed. This study looked at the relationships between the information possessed by a sample of social work teams, their attitudes, predicted behaviour and self-rated anxiety concerning AIDS. The purpose was to facilitate the planning of an AIDS training course. Results showed significant associations between the possession of more information, positive attitudes, appropriate predicted behaviour, lower self-rated anxiety and social work qualification. Younger people were more likely to be well informed, hold positive attitudes and display appropriate predicted behaviour. The implications for AIDS training for Social Services Department personnel are discussed.