Knowledge and attitude of health care workers in Baquba Teaching Hospital toward HIV/AIDS infection

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the awareness and attitude of healthcare workers (HCWs) in Baquba Teaching Hospital towards HIV/AIDS patients.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Baquba Teaching Hospital during the period from 1 January to 1 March 2016. The study included 200 individuals of randomly selected HCWs working in Baquba Teaching Hospital to assess their awareness and attitude towards HIV/AIDS by using a multiple-choice questionnaire. The questions were modified according to Iraqi cultures and social traditions.Results: Generally, the results revealed that according to Modified Bloom’s Cut Off Point, the participant HCWs have good levels of awareness about etiology, vertical transmission and curability of the disease. By contrast, in some aspects like risk of HIV needle stick injury, action of antiretroviral drugs and the commonest method of HIV transmission in Iraq. The answers showed lack in awareness. Furthermore, the specialist physicians had significantly higher level of awareness than other professions (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The awareness of HCWs was high, however, it is incomplete due to some misconception. Education campaigns, posters, workshops will strengthen the knowledge of HCWs and attempt to clarify any misconception or perverting theories about HIV-infection.