HIV/AIDS care,coping strategies and work environmental stress among nurses in Botswana

Since 2006 there has been universal acceptance in both developing and industrialized societies that HIV treatment and related services, including more effective prevention programs,be available to all citizens. However,as a result of the worldwide recession and shifting health priorities, progress toward these goals has stalled. While the epidemic continues to grow,fewer resources are dedicated to treatment and prevention than previously, and clinical staffs, especially nurses, are challenged by more patient care responsibilities. This paper focuses on the relationships of HIV/AIDS care, coping strategies, and work environmental stress for nurses working in an African country with a significant epidemic, Botswana. Data for this study was obtained through questionnaires completed by a sample of 201 nurses working in different types of health facilities in rural and urban areas of Botswana. Results show that most of the nurses(65 percent)frequently provided care to clients with HIV/AIDS. Only 35 percent of the nurses provided care to clients with HIV/AIDS infrequently. Those care givers who often worked with patients infected with HIV reported significantly more "role demand" and "shift work" stress and said that their coping strategies included physical exercise and taking food supplements. Implications of the findings for professional "burn out" among HIV/AIDS care in developing societies are discussed together with strategies for more effective allocations of health care personnel.