Thesis (MPH)--University of Limpopo, 2011. / INTRODUCTION:
The human immune deficiency virus (HIV) leads to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(AIDS). AIDS was first identified in the 1980’s and since then has spread globally causing one
of the most dreaded pandemics of modern time. The issue of stigma is very important in the
battle against HIV/AIDS as it affects attendance at health centres for obtaining ARV and regular
medical check-ups, adherence of patients to ARV treatment. The fear of stigma further helps to
fuel a culture of secrecy, silence, ignorance, blame, shame and fear of victimization.
AIM:
The aim of this study was to determine if there was any external stigmatization of HIV positive
patients by health care workers (HCWs) at King Edward VIII Hospital.
OBJECTIVES:
To determine if the knowledge of HCWs regarding HIV/AIDS and its transmission affect the
way they supply a service towards HIV positive patients at King Edward VIII Hospital and to
determine the comfort level and the attitude of the HCWs in rendering care to a HIV positive
patient.
METHODOLOGY:
This was a cross sectional survey where data was collected using an anonymous selfadministered
structured questionnaire with closed ended questions on personal and professional
characteristics, disease knowledge, and discriminatory practices such as attitudes and comfort
levels towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). A total of three hundred and thirty four
HCWs from different units at the King Edward VIII hospital participated in this study.
FINDINGS
Overall the HCWs have an above average knowledge about HIV/AIDS and its transmission with
only 1.8% scoring below average in the knowledge questions regarding HIV and its
transmission, although some knowledge gaps were identified regarding occupational exposure
risks. Evidently from the results is that HCW with higher levels of education are more
knowledgeable on issues relating to HIV/AIDS. The implication is that a HCW with a better
education is better equipped with the cognitive knowledge to deal with HIV/AIDS, highlighting
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the importance of education related to external stigmatization. Even though HCWs were
knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS most still felt uncomfortable in performing some occupational
duties on PLWHA like assisting a woman in labour and performing invasive surgical operations.
Most of the HCWs showed a positive attitude towards PLWHA believing that they are not to be
blamed for their condition but that individuals in the community who are perceived to be
promiscuous men or women are the ones responsible for the spread of HIV/AIDS. Procedures
like patients being tested without their consent and patients required to do a HIV/AIDS test
before surgery that could be perceived as stigmatization have been observed in King Edward VII
hospital. Patient confidentiality is also compromised in that gossiping by HCWs about the
HIV/AIDS results of patients has been noted. Fortunately a significant number of HCWs are
willing to report their colleagues to a higher authority if any form of stigmatization or
discrimination towards PLWHA is seen at King Edward VIII Hospital.
CONCLUSION
Although the knowledge, attitude and comfort of the HCWs at King Edward VIII Hospital was
above average continuing medical education and continuing professional development should be
mandatory in the management of HIV/AIDS so that HCWs can have the needed knowledge to
keep up with the changing world of HIV/AIDS medicine and also about universal precautions to
take so as to reduce occupational exposures. Psychological support to the HCW is needed in
dealing with PLWHA so that patients can be provided with quality and compassionate care
irrespective of their HIV/AIDS status as this will eventually help in the reduction of stigma.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ul/oai:ulspace.ul.ac.za:10386/416 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Famoroti, Temitayo O. |
| Contributors | Fernandes L. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | xi, 63 leaves. |
| Relation | Adobe Acrobat Reader, version 6.0 |
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