Knowledge and apprehensions concerning HIV/AIDS of Indonesian adolescents : Reflections upon the possibility for professional nurses to spread knowledge to prevent suffering

Abstract: HIV/AIDS is a global and expanding problem, not least in Indonesia, which is the country with the fastest growing epidemic in Asia. In rural areas of Indonesia it is usually harder to get information compared to urban areas. The lack of information and the fact that it is often taboo to speak about the subject result in common experiences of discrimination and shame for people living with HIV/AIDS. The aim of the study is to describe the knowledge of HIV and AIDS among Indonesian youths living in rural compared to urban areas. Furthermore to get knowledge about their experiences concerning the disease and also how they get information about the subject. A questionnaire was handed out for 15 to 16 years old students at two different high schools. One was located in the rural and the other in the urban area and altogether there were 40 respondents included in the study. The result showed that the knowledge was higher among the students from the urban school although the average knowledge for both schools was quite similar compared to earlier studies. Internet was considered to be the source giving most information about HIV/AIDS and guidance (from an expert in the subject) was suggested as the best source. The respondents stated that the disease is connected to isolation and discrimination, in addition the importance of giving support to the infected. Since guidance was stated to be the best source of information, the nurse has an important role as an expert. The nurse is obliged to promote health and prevent illness and by spreading information this can be done. It will also act to prevent suffering, both physically and psychologically, since HIV/AIDS is such a destructive and stigmatizing disease.