Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of health care workers towards clients of sexual health services in Fiji

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey was conducted to identify the attitudes and behaviours of health care workers (HCWs) in health care settings (HCS) in Fiji involving 369 participants. Self-rated knowledge of HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) varied depending on whether the HCS was divisional or sub-divisional, and varied between the various national divisions. HCWs with experience in HIV, reproductive health and antenatal clinics had higher self-rated HIV knowledge. A high proportion had a fear of catching HIV from HIV-positive clients. This study found high levels of negative attitudes towards clients from vulnerable groups with regards to the transmission and spread of HIV. Study participants also reported observing differential treatment by their colleagues if a client was known to have or was suspected of having HIV. There is a need for further HIV education of HCWs, with training focussed on occupational risk, and on reducing stigma and discrimination of those living with or vulnerable to HIV in Fiji.

A Study on the assessment of knowledge and attitude of radiographers towards HIV/AIDS patients in Anambra state.

“…In the current study there were 93.4% who have never attended any occupational training program regarding AIDS or HIV prevention. The findings compare favourably with those reported from other research (Adelekan et al, 1995;Ugochukwu ,2003;Lui et al .,2012 ) . They had also found that important knowledge gaps and appreciation of occupational training programs in all health categories which they considered.…”

“…So many studies have been done which were aimed to assess the attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Most of the literature indicated negative findings (Lui et al, 2012;Dieleman et al, 2007) and few others gave the positive findings.…”

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“…Evidence of occupationally acquired HIV infection is rare compared with transmission of infections such hepatitis B and this needs to be highlighted to students [28]. Negative attitudes held by future professionals can contribute to continued stigma and discrimination towards PLHIV and key at-risk populations, a recognized barrier to universal access and prevention of new infections in Fiji and the Pacific [33]. Interestingly, the majority of students believe the misconception that all health professionals have the right to know a patient's HIV status for their own safety.…”

Improving Sustainability, Climate Resilience and Pandemic Preparedness in Small Islands: A Systematic Literature Review

“…The spontaneous organisation of selected actors within the community, with the aim of developing prevention and responding more effectively to those in need during crises, is a recurrent feature in many islands. During the peak of the spread of HIV/AIDS, senior health management in public health organisations in Fiji implemented 'independent' prevention and information programs to tackle HIV/AIDS, actively coordinating with other actors within the community [54]. These actions promoted the overall need to have a more holistic and general framework on promoting and coordinating responses from community members, which would not be limited to HIV/AIDS but would also be applied to other future crises [54].…”

“…During the peak of the spread of HIV/AIDS, senior health management in public health organisations in Fiji implemented 'independent' prevention and information programs to tackle HIV/AIDS, actively coordinating with other actors within the community [54]. These actions promoted the overall need to have a more holistic and general framework on promoting and coordinating responses from community members, which would not be limited to HIV/AIDS but would also be applied to other future crises [54]. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 crisis, spontaneous initiatives led by indigenous Maori effectively addressed the challenges in Aotearoa, New Zealand [55].…”