ABSTRACT
The purpose of this non-experimental descriptive study was to explore the attitudes of older (> or =50 years old) African Americans toward and their willingness to care for people with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Results from this study suggest that this population has generally tolerant (empathetic) attitudes towards people with AIDS (PWA). Knowing someone with AIDS has a positive correlation with a willingness to care for someone with AIDS. Those individuals who reported a willingness to care for someone with AIDS were more likely to have more tolerant attitudes towards PWA. Recognizing the influence of older African Americans' attitudes towards PWA and their subsequent willingness to care for this population will give direction for further advanced nursing actions and research. Specifically, it will help improve family involvement as a component of the patient's support network.
