Ahmed OA, Odunukwe NN, Raheem TY, Efienemokwu CE, Ogedengbe O, Harry T, Salako LA; IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment (2nd : 2003 : Paris, France).
Antivir Ther. 2003; 8 (Suppl.1): abstract no. 1135.
Nigerian Institute of Medical Research P.M.B., Lagos, Nigeria
BACKGROUND: Traditional birth attendants/herbal practitioners often claim that herbal concoction are used for treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Hence the need to access their knowledge, attitudes and practices on HIV/AIDS infection as means of curtailing the spread. Materials and method: Well-structured questionnaires were administered to 191 participants from 20 local governments of Lagos State. Only 189 completed questionnaires were returned. RESULTS: About 69.8% males and 30.2% females aged 20 to 82 years (mean age 50.87 years) responded. Twenty-five percent had no formal education with years of experience as TBAs/healers of 1 to 30 years. Level of education influences their level of: (a) health education awareness; (b) readiness with which safe practices are used; (c) knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS. Eighty-five percent (85%) use the same room of abode for practice as a result of their economic status. Only 78% of the TBAs clean their delivery beds with disinfectant and bleach , 11% dispose of the soiled materials by burning, or throwing into pit latrine. Others dispose into public dustbin, bush or bury them. About 31.7% wash soiled clothings for clients and 22.5% do not wear gloves at delivery. About 84% indicated knowledge of HIV/AIDS infection. 66.5% associate HIV infection with sexual intimacy while 27.2% and 8% with scarification and circumcision, respectively. 36.6% confuse HIV/AIDS with gonorrhoea. 5.8% associated HIV/AIDS with recurrent infections. CONCLUSIONS: Since TBAs takes 60% of deliveries in developing countries, there is need for proper training of the TBAs to enable them recognizes risk patients and refer to appropriate centres for adequate management.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Attitude
- Counseling
- Developing Countries
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Humans
- Knowledge
- Male
- Midwifery
- Nigeria
- Questionnaires
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102263412
From Meeting Abstracts