Abstract

Background: AIDS is one of the most destructive problems in today’s societies which unfortunately is vastly increasing. Patients and victims of this disease suffer from serious psychosomatic problems, but the socio-cultural problems resulting from the nature of the illness in the family and society annoy the patients more than anything else. These patients need serious attention and in order to reduce problems of this vulnerable group, certain ethical principles in nursing care should be considered, and their educational needs should be met. This study introduces the ethical and educational principles that should be followed during the care for AIDS patients.

Methods: During a review of educational and ethical issues in AIDS-related articles with specified keywords from 2000 till now in authoritative sources such as Pubmed, Ebsco, Elsevier, Ovid, Iranmedex, SID and Magiran and after primary screening, the related articles were selected and data were analyzed.

Results: Based on the results of studies, the educational and ethical aspects of AIDS patients care are as follow: Formulating a plan to join them for supportive services in the community, Counseling about safe sex, consulting them on choosing spouse, marriage and childbearing, assessment of perceptions and feelings of patients towards the treatment, Providing information, education and communication, Training on life skills, Learning how to manage stress and depression.

Conclusions: Especially for patients with AIDS, the individual respect is much more important than the value of life, and obviously providing the education-ethical principles outlined in the care of these patients will reduce the complications, psycho-physical and socio-cultural problems and increase the quality of patient care. It will also improve the quality of patients’ life.

Key words: Ethics, Education, AIDS, Care, Nursing