Effectiveness of train the trainer module in delivery of HIV prevention messages for Homoeopathy and Ayurveda practitioners

Abstract

Introduction: A 2-day training program was developed to train Homoeopathy and Ayurveda practitioners to impart HIV/AIDS prevention messages to their clients. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this training program based on train the trainer modality. Materials and Methods: Ten primary participants were enrolled in each one day and two day training program. Both the groups were instructed to impart further training to 10 participants each. The knowledge of and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS were measured in primary participants before and immediately after training and at the end of 3 months and in secondary participants before and immediately after training by a 21-item questionnaire. Results: In 1-day group, the pre-training and post-training assessments were completed by all the 10 participants, where as the 3 month assessment was completed by only seven participants. In this group, mean overall knowledge score was 15.9 which increased to 17 post training and reduced to 16.7, 3 months post training. In 2-day group, the pre-training and post training assessments were completed by 10 participants, where as the 3 month assessment was completed by nine participants. In this group, the pre-training score of 17.4 increased to 19.8 immediately after training and decreased to 18.4, 3 months after training. From the 1-day group and two day group, seven and nine participants respectively, conducted secondary trainings. In case of secondary trainees, the cognitive knowledge scores showed a statistically significant difference before and after trainings in both the groups. Conclusion: The training module on HIV/AIDS was useful in enhancing the knowledge of physicians of Homoeopathy and Ayurveda on cognitive and transmission related aspects of the disease and on its ethical, social and legal implications. With such training programs the homoeopathic and ayurvedic practitioners can play a vital role in prevention of HIV infection by undertaking appropriate patient education and counselling.