IntroductionPeople living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) experience stigma and discrimination throughout their life. The consequences of stigma and discrimination are severe when enacted by healthcare providers (HCPs), and result in a delay in or poor adherence to treatment. Studies have demonstrated the presence of stigmatising behaviours among HCPs, yet only a few have presented the impact of interventions on the knowledge and attitude of practising (clinicians and nurses) and future (students) HCPs.ObjectivesTo evaluate knowledge, attitudes and infection risk perceptions related to HIV/AIDS among practising and future HCPs in central India. In addition, the impact of the ‘HIV-related stigma-reduction workshop’ using a pre-intervention and post-intervention study design was evaluated.Settings and participantsThe study was conducted in 2016 at two tertiary-care hospitals and three healthcare colleges in central India. Overall, 650 HCPs (75 clinicians and 211 nurses) and students (205 medical, 123 nursing and 36 Diploma in Medical and Laboratory Technology (DMLT)) voluntarily participated in the study.InterventionThe educational intervention comprised of training in epidemiology, the transmission and treatment of the HIV infection, the rights of PLWHA, the duties of HCPs and the use of standard precautions.ResultsAt pre-intervention, DMLT students had the lowest and clinicians the highest knowledge scores (24% and 45%, respectively). The stigmatised attitude was reflected in all groups, the lowest among clinicians (21%) and the highest among DMLT students (34%). Improvement in the post-intervention knowledge scores was the highest in medical students (36%) and the lowest among clinicians (16%). The participants’ attitudes improved between 3% and 17% across all groups.ConclusionsSignificant post-intervention improvements were seen in both knowledge and attitudes in all groups. Students had a higher tendency to improve than HCPs. Further long-term studies are needed to evaluate the sustainability of the improvements in knowledge and attitudes of the participants.
Background: Perception of the staff of an Anti Retroviral Therapy Center (ARTC) was explored regarding the organizational culture of the center with special reference to its effectiveness and efficiency.Methods: This qualitative exploration was conducted in the ARTC, RDGMC Ujjain. Data were collected during April 2016 and March 2018 by means of 35 self-administered-open-ended questionnaires as well as interviews (3 Focus Group Discussions and 5 Face to Face In-Depth Interviews). Data consisting of the text of the questionnaire responses and transcripts of the interview-sound files were subjected to thematic (content) analysis method.Results: Several praiseworthy features as well as deficiencies were identified, most important among them were related to counseling, behavior and management of investigations as well as treatment. Emphasis was on finding out effective and efficient ways to prevent LTFUs/ defaults/ delays. In the process of analysis of the data, three themes emerged. These are: theme 1 “general domains for attention and emphasis”; theme 2 “specific areas identified for further improvement” and theme 3 “suggestions for improvement and conclusions of the analysis of the situation”. Several measures were suggested in the interest of the PLHIV and the institution as well as for achievement of the global and national targets.Conclusions: For improvement in treatment coverage and success, escalation of certain inputs within a timeframe is essential while aiming at certain outputs is also urgently needed simultaneously. Among these, improving the staffing of the ART center in quality and quantity, the job satisfaction of the staff and patient satisfaction are extremely important.
Background: The main objective of study is to monitor and analyze the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of ART and to assess causality and severity of the ADRs detected.Methods: It is a prospective observational study conducted in the ART centre of a tertiary care teaching hospital in central India. The data collected were recorded on standard ADR reporting forms. Causality was assessed by Naranjo’s algorithm. Severity of ADR’s was assessed by modified Hartwig and Seigel scale. Modified Shumock and Thorton criteria used for preventability assessment.Results: In twelve months duration 351 patients on ART were observed for ADRs. Total 166 ADRs detected in 96 patients. Incidence of ADRs was slightly more in female. The common systems involved were gastrointestinal 42.77% followed by nervous system 18.07%, musculoskeletal 15.06% skin/mucous membrane 07.83%, metabolic and nutritional 04.82%, red blood cell disorders 01.20 %, endocrinal 00.60 % and others 09.64%. The causality assessment as per Naranjo’s scale showed that out of 166 ADRs, 28.92% were probable and 71.08% were possible. Severity assessment by modified Hartwig and Siegel scale showed that 83.34% ADRs were mild and 15.66% were moderate. 46.39 % ADRs were probably preventable.Conclusions: Considering the magnitude of ADR related problems, there is a need for greater awareness among health care professionals, to detect and report them. These ADRs if recognized in time and managed properly can prevent treatment interruption.
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