Awareness and attitude of health workers at a Nigerian HIV treatment clinic toward HIV/AIDS and HAART adherence.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the awareness and attitude of antiretroviral clinic workers to HIV/AIDS and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).


METHODS
A descriptive cross-sectional study design using a self-administered questionnaire was used.


RESULTS
Of the 43 staff, 39 (92.5%) completed the questionnaire. Their mean age was 35.1 + 7.6 years. There were 19 (48.7%) males and 20 (51.7%) females. The majority (87.2%) had tertiary education. More than three fifths (61.5%) were married. There were 20 (51.3%) professional staff and 19 (48.7%) support staff. Only 28.2% of staff members had ever received on-the-job training in HIV/AIDS care. None of the adherence counselors had ever received any training in HIV/AIDS care and HAART adherence counseling. Despite this lack of training, this majority of the clinic staff had good knowledge about and a positive attitude to HIV/AIDS and HAART adherence.


CONCLUSIONS
Adherence counselors and support staff required on-the-job training for optimum job performance.
Olowookere
Samuel A
SA
Department of Medicine, State Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria.
Fatiregun
Akinola A
AA
Osagbemi
Kayode G
KG
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000523:psychology*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult