Prevalence of HIV infection and median CD4 counts among health care workers in South Africa.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of HIV infection and the extent of disease progression based on CD4 count in a public health system workforce in southern Africa.


METHODS
Cross-sectional voluntary, anonymous, unlinked survey including an oral fluid or blood sample and a brief demographic questionnaire.


METHODS
Two public hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa.


METHODS
All 2 032 professional and support staff employed by the two hospitals.


METHODS
HIV prevalence and CD4 cell count distribution.


RESULTS
Overall prevalence of HIV was 11.5%. By occupation, prevalence was highest among student nurses (13.8%) and nurses (13.7%). The highest prevalence by age was in the 25 - 34-year group (15.9%). Nineteen per cent of HIV-positive participants who provided blood samples had CD4 counts less than or equal to 200 cells/ microl 28% had counts 201 - 350 cells/ microl, 18% had counts 351 - 500 cells/ microl, and 35% had counts above 500 cells/ microl.


CONCLUSIONS
One out of 7 nurses and nursing students in this public sector workforce was HIV-positive. A high proportion of health care workers had CD4 counts below 350 cells/ microl, and many were already eligible for antiretroviral therapy under South African treatment guidelines. Given the short supply of nurses in South Africa, knowledge of prevalence in this workforce and provision of effective AIDS treatment are crucial for meeting future staffing needs.
Connelly
Daniela
D
Boston University School of Public Health, Center for International Health and Development, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Veriava
Youssef
Y
Roberts
Sue
S
Tsotetsi
Josephine
J
Jordan
Annie
A
DeSilva
Eliot
E
Rosen
Sydney
S
DeSilva
Mary Bachman
MB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology