Awareness and Attitude of Health Workers at a Nigerian HIV Treatment Clinic Toward HIV/AIDS and HAART Adherence

Abstract

Objective. To assess the awareness and attitude of antiretroviral clinic workers to HIV/AIDS and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study design using a self-administered questionnaire was used. Results. Of the 43 staff, 39 (92.5%) completed the questionnaire. Their mean age was 35.1 + 7.6 years. There were 19 (48.7%) males and 20 (51.7%) females. The majority (87.2%) had tertiary education. More than three fifths (61.5%) were married. There were 20 (51.3%) professional staff and 19 (48.7%) support staff. Only 28.2% of staff members had ever received on-the-job training in HIV/AIDS care. None of the adherence counselors had ever received any training in HIV/AIDS care and HAART adherence counseling. Despite this lack of training, this majority of the clinic staff had good knowledge about and a positive attitude to HIV/AIDS and HAART adherence. Conclusion. Adherence counselors and support staff required on-the-job training for optimum job performance.

Keywords

knowledge attitudes HIV/AIDS HAART adherence

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