Student Nurses’ Attitudes and Anticipated Challenges Toward the Care of People Living with HIV/AIDS: Proposed Bachelor of Science in Nursing Curriculum Enhancement

This study examined student nurses’ attitudes and anticipated barriers in caring for people living with HIV/AIDS, with the aim of informing evidence-based enhancements to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum. It described respondent demographics, measured attitudes toward PLWHA, assessed perceived challenges across physical, psychosocial, economic, and health-system domains, and analyzed differences by profile variables. A descriptive-comparative quantitative design was utilized, involving 88 Level 3 and Level 4 nursing students from a selected academic institution in Laguna. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising a profile form, an adapted AIDS Attitude Scale, and a researcher-developed tool for anticipated challenges. Statistical analyses included frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, t-tests, ANOVAs, and Pearson correlations. Findings revealed generally positive attitudes toward PLWHA (mean = 4.09), reflecting willingness to provide care and adherence to professional ethics. However, respondents identified physical health-related challenges as moderately difficult (mean = 3.49), particularly in managing opportunistic infections, patient deterioration, and occupational exposure risks. These results suggest that while attitudes are favorable, gaps remain in clinical preparedness and confidence. The study recommends integrating simulation-based learning, enhanced clinical exposure, stigma-reduction initiatives, and infection-prevention training into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum.