title: HIV/AIDS/STI/TB knowledge, beliefs and practices of traditional healers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
abstract: The aim of this study was investigate the HIV/AIDS/STI and TB knowledge, beliefs and practices of traditional healers in South Africa. In a cross-sectional study 233 traditional healers were interviewed in three selected communities in KwaZulu-Natal. Results indicate that the most common conditions seen were STIs, a variety of chronic conditions, HIV/AIDS (20%) and tuberculosis (29%). Although most healers had a correct knowledge of the major HIV transmission routes, prevention methods and ARV treatment, their knowledge was poorer on other HIV transmission routes, and 21% believed that there is a cure for AIDS. A minority reported unsafe practices in terms of reuse of razor blades on more than one patients and the reuse of enema equipment without sterilization, and two-thirds used gloves when carrying out scarifications. Randomized control trials are called for to test the effectiveness of traditional healing for HIV/AIDS, STI and TB prevention and care.
authors.affiliation: Human Sciences Research Council & University of Limpopo, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. KPeltzer@hsrc.ac.za
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Peltzer
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mngqundaniso
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Petros
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003469:Culture; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000628:therapy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000628:therapy* / Q000635:transmission; D013019:South Africa; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000628:therapy