Open AccessAIDS and sexuality education in the physiotherapy curriculum
Author(s) -
Seyi Ladele Amosun,
R. Shabodien,
Margaret R. Marais,
Lionel Nicholas
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
south african journal of physiotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.166
H-Index - 3
eISSN - 2410-8219
pISSN - 0379-6175
DOI - 10.4102/sajp.v53i2.1360
Subject(s) - curriculum , medicine , inclusion (mineral) , physical therapy , anxiety , rehabilitation , multidisciplinary approach , human sexuality , family medicine , psychology , pedagogy , psychiatry , social psychology , social science , sociology , gender studies
The need for physiotherapy in the multidisciplinary management of patients with AIDS is generally acknowledged. Physiotherapists should understand the disease, and develop appropriate attitudes towards individuals with AIDS. Data obtained from questionnaires completed at the University of the Western Cape by prospective physiotherapy students between 1991 and 1993, on knowledge of and attitudes about AIDS, were analysed. The same questionnaire was re-administered to a group of physiotherapy students completing their fourth-year of study. Although most of the students indicated accurate knowledge about AIDS, their attitudes were uncertain. Students expressed anxiety about contact with persons with AIDS. The findings suggest the need for the inclusion of AIDS education in the physiotherapy education curriculum at the University of the Western Cape.