Enhancing HIV knowledge and reducing stigma among emergency nurses through experiential self-testing: A mixed-methods study.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of an experiential HIV self-testing in HIV-related knowledge and stigma among emergency nurses.

BACKGROUND

The emergency department is a crucial entry point for HIV key populations accessing care. However, emergency nurses often lack adequate, flexible HIV education, leading to knowledge gaps and stigma.

DESIGN

A convergent mixed-methods randomized controlled study was conducted.

METHODS

Seventy-two emergency nurses in northern Taiwan participated. The experimental group received supervised HIV self-testing with handbook-guided discussion, whereas the control group used unguided self-study. One-month follow-up outcomes were assessed with the HIV Knowledge Scale and the Health Care Provider HIV/AIDS Stigma Scale (HPASS). Qualitative interviews and integrated analysis offered a comprehensive understanding of the results.

RESULTS

The intervention group showed significantly higher post-test HIV knowledge scores than the control group (F= 13.58, p < 0.001). HPASS prejudice scores decreased significantly in the intervention group's post-test (t = -2.49, p = 0.02). Integrated findings suggest that experiential HIV self-testing enhanced knowledge through increased learning motivation and active inquiry and reduced prejudice through emotional awareness and empathy. Although no significant changes were observed in stereotyping or discrimination scores, some participants reported improved cognitive accuracy and a greater commitment to affirmative care, suggesting modest improvements in stigma-related beliefs and behaviors. The intervention's high accessibility, immersive engagement and practical applicability were favored over lecture-based and unguided self-study formats, supporting sustained improvements over one month.

CONCLUSION

Experiential HIV self-testing effectively enhances HIV-related knowledge, reduces stigma and provides a highly feasible approach for competency development in emergency nursing.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05615935 https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05615935.