Learning Objective #1: 1. Compare the HIV learning needs of nurses from three countries.

Learning Objective #2: 2. Discuss the challenges of cross-cultural research and the benefits of collaboration for education in different countries to conduct research and provide services

---

Faculty members of the University of Texas at Arlington School of Nursing are involved in projects in the Dominican Republic (DR), Haiti, Mexico, India, Uganda, and other countries. HIV/AIDS is a major health threat in these countries as well as others around the globe. To provide quality care, nurses in these countries must have accurate knowledge of the pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS. As faculty presented collaboratively developed workshops in various countries, workshop participants were asked to complete a self assessment of their HIV/AIDS learning needs. A needs assessment used with nurses in the United States was adapted to reflect treatment of HIV available internationally. For example, the DR, the assessment was translated into Spanish. For each topic, participants responded by indicating their level of knowledge. The response categories were “Know very little,” “Know some,” “Able to teach patients,” or “Able to teach peers.” IRB approval was obtained. Of the 275 respondents, 72% reported they could teach patients and peers about HIV transmission and its reduction from adult to adult. Between 40 and 50% reported knowing very little about HIV medications, compliance, and side effects. Nurses in India (n=99) reported higher levels of knowledge than nurses in the Dominican Republic did (n=185) did. Several respondents were very uncomfortable with rating their knowledge on a numerical scale. The needs assessment highlighted the challenges of cross-cultural research. During the presentation, these findings will be placed in the context of findings using the same tool with student nurses and nurses in India, United States and Uganda.