Impact of a peer-group intervention on occupation-related behaviors for urban hospital workers in Malawi.
Using a pre- and posttest design with no control group, the authors evaluated the impact of a peer-group intervention on work related knowledge and behavior for health workers at an urban hospital in Malawi. The authors surveyed unmatched random samples of health workers, observed workers on the job, and interviewed clients about hospital services at baseline and at 6 months after the intervention. Universal precautions knowledge, reported hand washing, and reported client teaching were significantly higher at the final evaluation. The outcome differences remained robust in multivariate analyses with controls for demographic factors of age, gender, education, food security, and job category. Observations reported consistently greater use of universal precautions, more respectful interactions, and more client teaching at final evaluation. Patient surveys reported more discussion with health workers about HIV at the final evaluation. Peer-group interventions can prepare health workers in Malawi for HIV prevention and offer a potential model for other African countries.
Chimango
Jane L
JL
Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences Research Centre, Kamuzu College of Nursing, University of Malawi, Lilongwe.
Kaponda
Chrissie N
CN
Jere
Diana L
DL
Chimwaza
Angela
A
Crittenden
Kathleen S
KS
Kachingwe
Sitingawawo I
SI
Norr
Kathleen Fordham
KF
Norr
James L
JL
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D008295:Malawi / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D016272:Occupational Health; D010379:Peer Group; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012044:Regression Analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires