Attitudes and practices of obstetric care providers in Kabul, Afghanistan regarding antenatal testing for sexually transmitted infection.
OBJECTIVE
To determine attitudes toward and utilization of testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B among obstetric care providers in Kabul, Afghanistan.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Three public maternity hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan.


METHODS
One hundred and fourteen (114) doctors and midwives.


METHODS
Prevalence and correlates of ever having tested patients for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and agreement with statements concerning attitudes toward testing and care.


RESULTS
Less than half of the patient care providers surveyed had previously tested a patient for HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B. Presumed rarity of these infections in Afghanistan was the most frequently stated reason for not testing, although many midwives stated that they did not have the authority to order tests. Most providers supported testing to promote neonatal health, but some midwives expressed concern regarding patient and family perceptions.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to logistical and cultural barriers, obstetric care providers underutilize testing for antenatal patients in Afghanistan. Improved training, empowerment of female providers, and availability of rapid testing are needed.
Todd
Catherine S
CS
Division of International Health & Cross-Cultural Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093-0622, USA. cstodd@ucsd.edu
Ahmadzai
Malalay
M
Smith
Jeffrey M
JM
Siddiqui
Hadia
H
Ghazanfar
Syed Alef Shah
SA
Strathdee
Steffanie A
SA
D000328:Adult; D000346:Afghanistan; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires