Knowledge deficit regarding HIV/AIDS in adolescent students: identifying the NANDA nursing diagnosis

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study was performed with the objective to identify the nursing diagnosis – Knowledge deficit regarding HIV/AIDS – in adolescents. This cross-sectional study was performed at a public school located in Fortaleza - Ceará. The sample consisted of 182 male students, aged between 12 and 18 years, regularly enrolled at the referred school. The data collection was performed using an instrument containing statements regarding HIV, which the students marked as true or false. The defining characteristics of the referred diagnosis were grouped according to the student’s performance regarding the instrument. Knowledge Deficit was present in more than 90% of the subjects, and the most frequent defining characteristic was Inadequate Performance on a Test, according to NANDA Taxonomy I. In light of these results, considering the referred students, nursing interventions should include educational strategies aimed at prevention, such as the correct use of condoms and the ways of becoming infected with HIV.

Descriptors: Nursing Diagnosis; Knowledge; Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.