Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine policy decisions faced by State Hospitals/Developmental Centers of California as they respond to the current AIDS epidemic. The study evaluated a current policy regarding hospital infection control of AIDS/HIV infection, assessed the current understanding of the magnitude of risks associated with occupational exposures of variety of kinds in the health care setting, and evaluated roles that are played by the state and federal governments in financial support of those mental/developmental disabilities with AIDS/HIV infection patients at State Hospitals/Developmental Centers. Methodology. An accidental sampling was used to conduct this study. The sample was a total of 600 participants who work at the State Hospital/Developmental Center in Southern California. A questionnaire which consisted of demographic information and an assessment of attitudes/behavior factors to AIDS-related issues was reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee members and the Chairman of Research and Human Subject Committee of the survey facility. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Percentage distributions were used in comparing the present data with findings from other studies. Findings and conclusions. The study found that an overwhelming majority of all state Hospitals/Developmental Centers face higher occupational risks. Lack of educational programs regarding AIDS/HIV infection control and policies at State Hospitals/Developmental Centers might contribute to exaggerated perceptions of fears and occupational risks by employees. The study also found that state and federal governments did not provide adequate financial support to State Hospitals/Development Centers for those mental/ developmental disabilities with AIDS/HIV infection patients. Even Mr. Bush acknowledged that he hasn't done enough for AIDS, and he wants to go the extra mile. State and federal governments play a major role in financial support by providing adequate funds to AIDS epidemic treatment, education, and research programs. Recommendations. Health care workers should be key figures in writing and developing both the AIDS-related policy and educational programs, and evaluating their effectiveness in State Hospitals/Developmental Centers. A Further study into the development of more flexible State Hospitals/Developmental Center policies to deal with the AIDS crisis is essential. To encourage the variously involved state/federal legislatures, State Hospitals/ Development Centers may need to develop further cooperation/ collaboration to facilitate and culminate in a supporting system.