title: Prevalence and correlates of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis knowledge among intrapartum patients and health care providers in Kabul, Afghanistan.
abstract: Little is known about blood-borne infection awareness and knowledge among obstetric populations and health care providers in Afghanistan. HIV and hepatitis B awareness and knowledge are described among 4452 intrapartum patients completing an interviewer-administered questionnaire and whole-blood rapid testing and 123 obstetric care providers completing a questionnaire between June 2006 and September 2006. Participants were enrolled from three Kabul public maternity hospitals. Most participants were aware of HIV (50.8% of patients and 95.9% of providers) and hepatitis (72.1% of patients and 91.1% of providers). Correct transmission knowledge (defined as naming three correct routes and no incorrect routes) was lower for both groups (HIV: 19.4% for patients and 59.7% for providers; hepatitis B: 1.90% for patients and 33.9% for providers). Correct HIV transmission knowledge among providers was independently associated with level of education (AOR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.20-2.55). While HIV and hepatitis B awareness is common, correct and comprehensive knowledge is not. Continuing education for providers and health communications strategies should address identified knowledge gaps.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. cstodd@ucsd.edu
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Todd
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ahmadzai
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Atiqzai
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Azfar
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Siddiqui
authors.forename: S A S
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Ghazanfar
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Strathdee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000346:Afghanistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000635:transmission*; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D006801:Humans; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013587:Syphilis / Q000635:transmission*; D055815:Young Adult