Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #443  -  An Operational research to determine the challenges for accessing HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support services amongst health care workers in Malawi
Session:
  26.27: Posters B (Poster) on Tuesday   in  Chaired by
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Ms Ireen Makwiza-Namakhoma - REACH Trust, Malawi
 
  Additional Authors:  Ms Ireen Makwiza-Namakhoma, Ms Grace Bongololo, Dr Ann Phoya, Ms Mindy Hochgesang, Mr Sam Phiri, Dr Sally  Thoebald, Mr Lot Nyirenda,  
Aim:
It is estimated that 10% of the deaths in the Ministry of Health are caused by HIV/AIDS. Health care workers (HCW) risk to HIV is increased through occupational exposure. Since health care workers are critical to the expansion of delivery of HIV and AIDS services , and are themselves affected by the epidemic, it is important that they should take up HIV counselling and testing (HTC) and antiretroviral therapy (ART). Objectives: o To explore health care workers knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about HTC, ART and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) o To determine the extent of access and utilisation of HTC, ART and PEP and the factors leading to utilisation or underutilisation.
 
Method / Issue:
In-depth interviews and key informant interviews were conducted with health care workers in two districts. A survey informed by the qualitative findings is underway in eight districts in Malawi. Findings for the survey are expected in May, 2007
 
Results / Comments:
Most health workers apart from clinical officers, doctors and those directly working under the ART programme, had poor understanding of PEP and very few reported ever accessing PEP after occupational exposure to HIV. HIV testing was reported to be a barrier to accessing PEP. The use of the low cadre of Health Surveillance Assistants to conduct HIV testing was one of the major barriers to accessing HTC. The knowledge of pain experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS kept most health workers away from testing. The fear of being perceived as a failed role model after a positive result as well as perceived stigma were also barriers to accessing HTC and consequently ART.
 
Discussion:
It is incorrect to assume that health workers have knowledge on HIV/AIDS and hence will utilise HIV/AIDS services. There is an urgent need to recognise the challenges that health workers face to access and utilise PEP, HTC and ART and to promote appropriate interventions for promoting access to such services.
 
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