title: Knowledge and attitudes of Ugandan midwives regarding HIV.
abstract: In Uganda, 60% of HIV-infected adults are women of childbearing age. Considering this, midwives in Uganda play a pivotal role in reducing HIV transmission and providing high quality care to the many women and families affected by the disease. In this pilot study, investigators described the knowledge and attitudes of Uganda's private midwives regarding HIV. Overall knowledge levels were reported to be low, and the majority of participants reported overwhelming fear of contracting the disease from practice. Despite these challenges, the midwives' attitudes regarding HIV were positive. The results of this study support previous results. Additional studies focusing on midwives and traditional birth attendants in Uganda are warranted. The initiation of HIV continuing education programs and professional support for Ugandan midwives is also recommended.
authors.affiliation: Mendocino Coast Clinics, California, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer Lee Harling
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Salyer
authors.forename: Mariam Louise
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Walusimbi
authors.forename: Joyce J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education; D009721:Nurse Midwives / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology