Abstract #105  -  Impact of training on HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and practices of hospital staff.
Authors:   Presenting Author:   Dr Peter Delobelle - Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Additional Authors:  Mrs Cynthia Langa, Mr Hans Onya, Dr Rika Decock, Prof AnneMarie Depoorter,
Aim: The objective of this study was to explore the impact of a short educational intervention on the level of HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes towards PLWHA and infection control adherence among hospital staff in a rural District hospital in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.
Method / Issue: A repeated measures design with survey approach was used among a stratified random sample of hospital staff. Self-administered survey questionnaires consisting of a demographic and a 37-item knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) scale were completed by 56 respondents, before and one month after attending a training seminar on HIV/AIDS and infection control.
Results / Comments: Two thirds of respondents were female (n=38; 67.9%) and half had a higher educational qualification (n=25; 47.2%). Ages were from 22-58 years old (M=43; SD=10.5) and mean tenure was 12.5 years (SD=11.5). Two thirds of respondents belonged to medical or applied professions (n=35; 66%). Mean HIV/AIDS knowledge was moderately inadequate at baseline (M= 4.6; SD=2.2; range 0-12), showing gaps in knowledge relating to HIV transmission and risk prevention. Mean knowledge scores were significantly higher after intervention (M=5.5; SD=2.1), as shown by a paired samples T-test (t(53)=-3.03; p=.004). Attitudes towards PLWHA, measured through combining scores of items testing empathy and avoidance behavior, were generally positive and not significantly different before and after intervention (t(53)=-.18; p=ns). Self-reported infection control adherence showed some areas of malpractice, which was not significantly altered by intervention (e.g. 45.2% vs. 46.5% recapping needles, after and resp. before the intervention; t(36)=-.30; p=ns).
Discussion: HIV/AIDS knowledge of hospital staff showed substantial gaps in knowledge about HIV transmission and risk prevention, which was significantly improved by a short educational intervention. Attitudes towards PLWHA were positive and not significantly altered by the intervention. Self-reported infection control adherence was, although lacking in specific areas, resistant to behavior change. It is therefore recommended to provide ongoing training and support in order to address the lack of infection control adherence among district hospital staff in South Africa.
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