Abstract
The number of reported cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has increased significantly over the last twenty-five years. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, attacking the immune system and leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections that can eventually lead to death. Many of the individuals being affected by HIV/AIDS are members of populations often served by social workers, those who are typically oppressed because of sexual orientation, race, gender, and class. A survey was completed by sixty MSW II students in the Master of Social Work program at California State University, Sacramento in the Spring of 2009. A quantitative descriptive research design was used to determine students' HIV/AIDS related knowledge and attitudes. Overall the participants demonstrated reasonably high HIV/ AIDS-related knowledge. Student scores on the attitude scale indicated more positive attitudes towards those with HIV/AIDS. Participants with greater knowledge tended to have more positive attitudes, consistent with other studies. This project was jointly authored by Chantel Gardner and Salina Harrigan, each having contributed equally to all portions. Chantel Gardner completed the history and background portion of the literature review, while Salina Harrigan completed the knowledge and attitudes, misconceptions, and education portion of the literature review.