Knowledge on the National programme on Elimination of Mother-to- Child Transmission (EMTCT) of HIV and Syphilis among Primary Healthcare Workers in the district of Kalutara

Abstract

Introduction : The Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT) of HIV and syphilis infections can be addressed with similar strategies. The availability of testing and more efficacious drug regimens for HIV and syphilis provides an unprecedented global health opportunity to achieve the elimination goals. Currently, Sri Lanka is implementing a National Programme for the EMTCT of syphilis and HIV Island wide. It is important to know the knowledge, attitude and barriers for the EMTCT programme among primary health care workers to achieve the elimination targets. Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among 200 primary healthcare workers in 10 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas in Kalutara district. Data were collected by using a selfadministered questionnaire and analysed by using SPSS. Results: The majority (60%) of the health staff was between 40 - 60 years and public health midwives (80%). Majority (66%) were not exposed to any awareness programmes on it. Majority (82.5%) were well aware about testing and interpretation of the results of screening tests for syphilis and HIV. Most of them knew that paediatric HIV and congenital syphilis are preventable diseases. However, majority did not know that HIV could be transmitted through breast milk. The main barrier of the programme is the lack of manpower for additional workload. Conclusions: Although the primary health care workers are aware the existence of the national programme of EMTCT of Syphilis and HIV in Sri Lanka, they do not have sufficient understanding about the purpose of the EMTCT programme. Sri Lanka Journal of Sexual Health and HIV Medicine Vol.1 2015: 18-21