P219 Profile of patients who underwent rapid STI tests at a health unit in the brazilian capital city with the highest HIV rate

Abstract

Background According to United Nations, 'Philippines has become one of eight countries that account for more than 90 percent of new HIV infections in the region'. (Regencia, 2018) Nonetheless, despite interventions adopted, challenges persist that hinder the efficient implementation of HIV/AIDS program. Methods The method employed is the Descriptive Correlational Method, a standardized questionnaire on stigma and researcher made questionnaire, to assess level of care and characteristics. Respondents were physicians, nurses, HIV/AIDS Core Team and medical technologists from three different training hospitals in Cagayan de Oro City that underwent Cluster Sampling. Results were statistically analyzed through Spearman Rho for the correlation between characteristics, Stigma and Level of Care and Mean frequency for variables among three training hospitals. Results Majority of the respondents had an average age of 26 to 30 years old (41.2%), female (62.2%), Roman Catholic (72.5%) and College graduates (72.9%), followed by medical degree holders at 8.4%. Nurses comprised 69.3% followed by physicians at 9.2%, a majority with an average of one (1) to five (5) years in practice (51.4%). Religion, profession, workplace and years of experience were significantly correlated with Stigma and years of practice and place of work showed significant relationship with Level of Care. Stigma was inversely correlated with Level of care. Stigma among three hospitals, public and two private hospitals scored average with the highest mean coming from one private hospital at 113.42 compared to a public hospital with a mean of 107.25. Conclusion It can be determined that there is marked stigma among healthcare workers in Northern Mindanao towards HIV/AIDS patients with a correlate effect on the care and services provided. Disclosure No significant relationships.