Abstract
Documentation shows that spouses of nurses play an important part in the support system of nurses who care for AIDS patients.
A sample of 12 spouses of nurses was interviewed regarding their attitudes about their spouses working with HIV-positive patients. They were also questioned about the amount of communication that has taken place between them and their spouses. No research at this time has been found that documents a nurse's significant other's attitudes on this subject.
A series of seven open-ended questions were used in face-to-face interviews, as facial expression and body language were believed to be important conveyors of information on this sensitive subject.
The study showed the ambivalent nature of husbands' attitudes. There was concern about their spouses' work, but since they felt at minimal risk, they did not want to think about it.
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