scholarly journals 1285. Impact of an Educational Program on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice to Prevent HIV Infection Among HIV-Negative Heterosexual Partners of HIV-Infected Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S392-S393
Author(s):  
Thana Khawcharoenporn ◽  
Chanika Srirach ◽  
Krongtip Chunloy

Abstract Background Data on knowledge, attitudes, and practices to prevent HIV transmission are limited and effective strategies to improve such knowledge, change attitudes, and reduce risk behaviors are unknown among serodiscordant couples. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted among HIV-negative adult heterosexual partners of HIV-infected patients. The intervention was an educational program consisting of a 1-hour educational session on knowledge about HIV infection and transmission prevention, a condom use teaching session, group discussion and experience sharing, and free HIV testing. Self-administered survey was conducted pre- and post-intervention on the same day to assess effectiveness of the program in improving HIV knowledge and changing attitudes toward HIV prevention. The participants were invited to participate in the program again 6 months later to assess retention of the knowledge and positive attitudes and practices to prevent HIV. Results A total of 88 participants were enrolled. The median age was 39 years and 49 (56%) were male. The median number of correct answers to the 30 statements about HIV infection and transmission prevention was significantly higher after the program compared with before the program (28 vs. 21; P < 0.001). After the program, higher proportions of the participants would encourage treatment of their HIV-infected partners (77% vs. 58%), use pre-exposure prophylaxis (59% vs. 38%), have a regular HIV blood test every 6 months (94% vs. 81%) and think that they and their partners can have a baby together safely with the current HIV transmission prevention strategies (48% vs. 17%) compared with before the program (all P < 0.05). Among the 35 participants who participated in the educational program twice, most of the knowledge and positive attitudes were retained. The rates of regular HIV testing every 6 months and consistent condom use had increased from baseline to 6 months later (29% to 74% and 71% to 91%, respectively). None of the participants acquired HIV from their partners. Conclusion The educational program was shown to be effective in improving HIV knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward HIV prevention among the seronegative partners. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

2012 ◽  
pp. 72-79
Author(s):  
That Toan Ton ◽  
Xuan Chuong Tran

Objectives: Man who have sex with man (MSM) group is a high risk group of HIV infection. There are very rare studies about HIV infection in this group. Aims: Study knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward HIV prevention in MSM in Khanh Hoa province in 2010. Methods: A cross-sectional study among MSM over 16 years aged living in Khanh Hoa in which data were collected from June 2010 to June 2011. Results: Knowledge: Most of MSM have good knowledge about the ways of HIV transmission in which 47.5% have right answers to 14-15 questions about HIV prevention. Attitudes: 98.5% MSM are ready to do voluntary tests for HIV. 61.5% MSM did not discuss to male partners about HIV or STDs. Practices: 99.1% have used condom but 67.5% did not use condoms in the last contact with female partners. Only 19.6% MSM have received consultations about HIV. Conclusions: Most of MSM have good knowledge about the ways of HIV transmission. 98.5% MSM are ready to do voluntary tests for HIV. 99.1% have used condom. Only 19.6% MSM have received consultations about HIV.


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terthu K Ngodji ◽  
Jessica Rebert ◽  
Ehimario U Igumbor ◽  
Vistolina Nuuyoma

Background: There is compelling evidence that male circumcision (MC) is associated with reduced risk of contracting HIV. For this reason, MC is recommended for countries like Namibia where HIV prevalence is high and MC rates are low. Following this recommendation, a national MC campaign was considered to introduce MC as an additional HIV prevention strategy with the intention of rolling it out in communities where MC is not traditionally practised and where heterosexually transmitted HIV infection rates are high. Little is known about the acceptability of MC in traditionally non-circumcising communities in Northern Namibia.Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of MC among men presenting for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in a traditionally non-circumcising ethnic group in the northern Namibia.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 331 Oshiwambo-speaking males aged 18 years and older, presenting for VCT services. Data was analysed using Epi-Info 2008, Version 3.5.1.Results: The self-reported prevalence of MC in the study sample was 15.4%, with 38% of those reporting being circumcised during their childhood (1-13 years) and 44% being circumcised for health-related reasons. Most respondents (n = 241, 74.4%) had heard that MC reduces the men’s risk of HIV infection. Up to 53.1% of the respondents had good knowledge regarding MC; moreover, the majority of the respondents (n = 194, 66.6%) reported that it is easier for uncircumcised men to acquire HIV infection. It was found that men aged 25 to 34 years were more willing to be circumcised than the other age groups.Conclusions: A high level of knowledge of MC was revealed. Accordingly, the idea of MC is likely to be accepted, especially if it is implemented to reduce the risk of HIV infection.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 772
Author(s):  
Yi-Man Teng ◽  
Kun-Shan Wu ◽  
Wen-Cheng Wang ◽  
Dan Xu

During the pandemic, quarantine hotel workers face a higher risk of infection while they host quarantine guests from overseas. This study’s aim is to gain an understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of quarantine hotel workers in China. A total of 170 participants took part in a cross-sectional survey to assess the KAP of quarantine hotel workers in China, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chi-square test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), descriptive analysis, and binary logistic regression were used to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with KAP levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that 62.41% have good knowledge, 94.7% have a positive attitude towards COVID-19, but only 78.2% have good practices. Most quarantine hotel workers (95.3%) are confident that COVID-19 will be successfully controlled and that China is handling the COVID-19 crisis well (98.8%). Most quarantine hotel workers are also taking personal precautions, such as avoiding crowds (80.6%) and wearing facemasks (97.6%). The results evidence that quarantine hotel workers in China have acquired the necessary knowledge, positive attitudes and proactive practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study can provide a reference for quarantine hotel workers and their targeted education and intervention.


Author(s):  
Zoran Milosavljević

This article explores the different ways in which gay men in Serbia perceive PrEP as a novel method of HIV prevention. In the article, I draw on data from my research on PrEP use among thirty gay men in Belgrade. The use of PrEP is still very low amongst gay communities in Serbia due to their rejection of PrEP and due to the stigma around PrEP use. In Serbia, the social significance of PrEP relates to HIV status disclosure on gay social/dating media. Paradoxically, on gay dating sites, the signifier "PrEP" blurs the line between HIV positive gay men – who have achieved undetectable HIV status through a potent ARV therapy – and those HIV negative gay men who use PrEP as a preventative tool against HIV transmission. In the article, I will argue that a new form of gay identity has emerged on gay dating apps in Serbia – "undetectable, on PrEP." This new identity emerges from confusion in HIV risk assessment. The use of PrEP has been seen as a marker to denote someone’s HIV negative status and to protect them from HIV transmission. However, some gay men with an undetectable HIV status would like to be regarded as HIV negative even though they are not, and thus they use the signifier "on PrEP" to highlight their desire to claim an HIV negative status. PrEP has many symbolic valences: from HIV status disclosure to assumed promiscuity. As I will argue, while the health paradigm is of utmost importance for Serbian gay men, internalized stigma additionally drives the low uptake of PrEP amongst gay communities in Serbia, thus contributing to the confusion regarding PrEP use and the overall approach to HIV prevention. This article finds that those respondents who accept PrEP without stigma or confusion regarding their HIV status are also more willing and ready to recommend using PrEP to other gay men.


Author(s):  
Southern African HIV Clinicians Society Consensus Committee

Background. The use of oral antiretrovirals to prevent HIV infection among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) has been shown to be safe and efficacious. A large, randomised, placebo-controlled trial showed a 44% reduction in the incidence of HIV infection among MSM receiving a daily oral fixed-dose combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine (Truvada) in combination with an HIV prevention package. Improved protection was seen with higher levels of adherence. Aim. The purpose of this guideline is to: (i) explain what pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is; (ii) outline current indications for its use; (iii) outline steps for appropriate client selection; and (iv) provide guidance for monitoring and maintaining clients on PrEP. Method. PrEP is indicated for HIV-negative MSM who are assessed to be at high risk for HIV acquisition and who are willing and motivated to use PrEP as part of a package of HIV prevention services (including condoms, lubrication, sexually transmitted infection (STI) management and risk reduction counselling). Recommendations. HIV testing, estimation of creatinine clearance and STI and hepatitis B screening are recommended as baseline investigations. Daily oral Truvada, along with adherence support, can then be prescribed for eligible MSM. PrEP should not be given to MSM with abnormal renal function, nor to clients who are unmotivated to use PrEP as part of an HIV prevention package; nor should it be commenced during an acute viral illness. Three-monthly follow-up visits to assess tolerance, renal function, adherence and ongoing eligibility is recommended. Six-monthly STI screens and annual creatinine levels to estimate creatinine clearance are recommended. Hepatitis B vaccination should be provided to susceptible clients. Gastro-intestinal symptoms and weight loss are common side-effects, mostly experienced for the first 4 - 8 weeks after initiating PrEP. There is a risk of the development of antiretroviral resistance among those with undiagnosed acute HIV infection during PrEP initiation and among those with sub-optimal adherence who become HIV infected while on PrEP. Risk compensation (increasing sexual behaviours that can result in exposure to HIV) while on PrEP may become a concern, and clinicians should continue to support MSM clients to continue to use condoms, condom-compatible lubrication and practice safer sex. Research is ongoing to assess optimum dosing regimens, potential long-term effects and alternative PrEP medications. Recommendations for the use of PrEP among other at-risk individuals, and the components of these recommendations, will be informed by future evidence. S Afr J HIV Med 2012;13(2):40-55.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1357633X2092682
Author(s):  
Sarina Yaghobian ◽  
Robin Ohannessian ◽  
Thomas Iampetro ◽  
Isabelle Riom ◽  
Nathalie Salles ◽  
...  

Introduction Telemedicine is a remote medical practice that is progressively expanding in France. In 2018, regulatory changes authorised telemedicine to become part of daily clinical practice. Telemedicine education and training (ET), however, has not been widespread, despite its integration in the medical curriculum since 2009. The objective of this study was to examine the self-perceived knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and ET of telemedicine ET from medical students and residents in France. Methods A national survey was distributed online (15 December 2018 to 3 March 2019) to approximately 135,000 medical students and residents in medical schools ( n = 38). The survey consisted of a total of 24 binary and Likert-scale questions covering telemedicine ET and KAP. Results In total, 3,312 medical students and residents completed the survey. Synchronous video consultation was the most well-known telemedicine activity (86.9%); asynchronous tele-expertise was the least recognised (40.3%). Most respondents (84.8%) stated they were not familiar with telemedicine regulations. The relevance of telemedicine for improving access to care was acknowledged by 82.8% of students and residents; 14% of respondents stated they had previously practised telemedicine during their studies; 14.5% stated they had received telemedicine ET; however, 97.9% stated they were not sufficiently trained. Discussion This is the first national scale study on telemedecine ET by medical students and residents, to date. Despite positive attitudes, participants were found to have limited telemedicine ET, knowledge and practices. The demand for telemedicine ET is increasing. Such studies that incorporate the perspectives of medical students and residents may strengthen the implementation of telemedicine ET in the future.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Duteil ◽  
E de La Rochebrochard ◽  
P Piron ◽  
C Segouin ◽  
P Troude

Abstract Background Despite therapeutic progress, HIV remains a public health issue with about 6400 new HIV contaminations each year in France. HIV prevention relies on health education, early screening, treatment as prevention, post and pre-exposure prophylaxis. Patients’ visits to free sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screening centers (CeGIDD) are opportunities to spread prevention messages. This study aimed to assess level of HIV knowledge in a Parisian CeGIDD to improve prevention messages. Methods The study included patients older than 18 who came for STIs testing between August 2017 and August 2018 and who understand written French language. Data were collected by a self-administered electronic questionnaire filled in before medical consultation. It included sociodemographic data and knowledge regarding HIV transmission and prevention. Results The study included 2002 patients. The median age was 27 years and 66% were men. More than 96% of patients know that HIV transmission is possible through unprotected sexual intercourse and through needle exchange. However, some misconceptions persist: 20% of patients believe that HIV transmission is possible from using public toilets and 22% by mosquito bite. Prevention measures perceived as “absolutely or rather efficient” by patients were: using condom (97%), requesting a screening test from his partners (91%), getting screening tests regularly (90%), choosing his partners correctly (62%), having sex with few different partners (50%). Half of patients heard of post-exposure prophylaxis (51%). Conclusions Main modes of HIV transmission are well known (unprotected intercourse and needle exchange). However, false beliefs regarding prevention may lead to risk behavior (doing screening test regularly doesn’t protect against HIV) and need to be explored. Moreover, assessment of variation in level of HIV knowledge according to patient’s profile may help to target prevention message according to specific populations. Key messages Main modes of HIV transmission are well known. False beliefs regarding modes of prevention need to be explored to target HIV prevention messages.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-73
Author(s):  
A. M. Hoque ◽  
S. Buckus ◽  
M. Hoque ◽  
A. B. M. Mahbub Alam ◽  
M. E. Hoque ◽  
...  

There is no proven specific treatment or adequate vaccination roll out against COVID-19 infection in South Africa. Optimal infection control measures encompass primary intervention to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Public knowledge, attitude, and practices of dealing with this highly infectious respiratory disease play a vital role in limiting the spread of the infection. Aim was to identify knowledge, attitudes, and practices gaps on COVID-19 pandemic for possible health education intervention. The objectives were to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of out-patients attending a primary health care facility. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted. The Student’s t-test and ANOVA test were carried out to determine the different mean scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices. Pearson’s correlation test was conducted to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores. Binary logistic regression was undertaken to determine the predictor of good knowledge, positive attitude, and preventive practices. A total of 345 out-patient attendees participated of which 51% were male. Over half (52%) of respondents were evaluated as having good knowledge, 59% as having positive attitudes and almost all (95%) were practicing prevention of COVID-19. The knowledge of the respondent was correlated with preventive practices (r=.173, p<0.05). Multiple regression showed that respondents in the age groups 35-44 years and 45-54 years were 2.8 times and 5.7 times more likely to have good knowledge respectively. Non-smokers were 79% less likely to have good knowledge (OR=.219, p<0.05). Respondents with no comorbidity were 50% less likely to have good knowledge (OR=.503, p <0.05), when compared to those having co-morbidities. Respondents with the highest level of education was found to be positive predictor of positive attitudes (OR =7.3, p <0.05). Primary Health Care users have poor knowledge, negative attitudes but practiced properly for the prevention of the transmission of COVID-19. Mass education is required to educate communities to improve knowledge and attitudes on COVID-19 epidemic in SA.


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