Knowledge and attitudes of certified athletic trainers in Pennsylvania toward HIV/AIDS and treating HIV-positive athletes

Objective: As the number of people infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to increase so does the likelihood that athletic trainers will treat HIV-positive athletes. The purposes of this study were to determine how knowledgeable certified athletic trainers in Pennsylvania are about HIV/AIDS AIDS and their attitudes toward treating the injuries of HIV-positive/AIDS athletes. Another purpose of this study was to determine what effect the athletic trainers' HIV/AIDS attitudes had on their HIV/AIDS knowledge level. Design and Setting: A questionnaire was mailed to 807 NATA-certified athletic trainers who resided in the state of Pennsylvania. A total of 410 (50.8%) athletic trainers participated in the study: 241 (58.8%) males and 169 (41.2%) females. Subjects: NATA-certified athletic trainers who resided in the state of Pennsylvania as of March 19, 1994. Measurements. A questionnaire was developed by the investigators after reviewing the appropriate literature and in consultation with a panel of experts that consisted of athletic trainers, physicians, and a health educator who specialized in HIV/AIDS education. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographic information, HIV/AIDS knowledge, and HIV/AIDS attitude. Returned questionnaires were analyzed via descriptive (frequencies, percentages, and means) and inferential statistics. Univariate analysis consisted of independent t tests to determine what effect the athletic trainers' HIV/AIDS attitudes had on their HIV/AIDS knowledge level. Results: NATA-certified athletic trainers in Pennsylvania are moderately knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and have constructive attitudes in treating the athletic injuries of HIV-positive/AIDS athletes. Their major concern, however, is fear of HIV transmission. It was further determined that differences in HIV/AIDS attitudes had no effect on HIV/AIDS knowledge level. Conclusions: The likelihood that athletic trainers will treat HIV-positive athletes is ever increasing. HIV/AIDS education and appropriate clinical precautions are paramount in protecting the clinician and athlete alike.