The impact of the HIV epidemic on health services in Cambodia: a Delphi study.
Cambodia is experiencing a major HIV epidemic. Even though the incidence of new cases has declined in the past few years; the HIV epidemic is still a major public health problem in Cambodia. The purpose of this study was to obtain the considered opinions of experts about the impact of HIV/AIDS on the health services of Cambodia to assist in future planning. A Delphi study of 25 public health physicians was undertaken to assist in understanding the data and trends. The participants were asked to identify and prioritise ways in which the HIV epidemic was likely to influence health services in the future through two rounds of questionnaires. The respondents ranked selected variables for their importance and impact on health services. The three themes extracted from the first and second round questionnaires were 'mother-to-child transmission issues', present and future demand on the health services', and 'the need for public health prevention and promotion programs. The loss of qualified health staff is an important problem. HIV will continue to have a major impact on health in Cambodia. The health services of Cambodia should emphasise health promotion programs.
Leang
Supheap
S
National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. leangsupheap@yahoo.com
D002160:Cambodia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003697:Delphi Technique; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy