Kalyanasundaram B; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 644 (abstract no. 33260).
ISSUES: STD's increase the risk of HIV transmission. Although this fact has been widely acknowledged, government hospitals in Karnataka, India have still not taken up counselling programmes. Optimal use should be made of existing STD services to incorporate HIV/AIDS preventive strategies. PROJECT: An intervention using trained counsellors in two different govt. STD clinics of Bangalore city was developed as a pilot programme. It took 6 months to convince the Govt. Officials about the need and value of this programme. At present, 2 counsellors work at each hospital along with the staff 3-5 mornings a week. Intervention strategies include education on STD, HIV/AIDS, pre/post test counselling, condom distribution, referrals for treatment and follow up. PROBLEMS FACED: Non acceptance of need for counselling, lack of coordination, privacy, and confidentiality by hospital staff; giving misinformation and unfavourable staff attitude to clients. RESULTS: Counselling is now seen as a valuable service within both clinics. 3731 clients have accessed our services in the last 4 years, 502 were PWHA; 50% maintain regular follow up. Risk reduction and increased condom usage were reported by clients who were followed up. There was an increased number of referrals from other departments/clients. Desirable change was observed in hospital staff attitude. Counsellors have involved in State AIDS Cell sponsored training programmes for hospital staff. LESSONS LEARNT: Counselling is an effective intervention in STD clinics and can be integrated within the existing services thus making less costly programmes. Cooperation between NGOs and Government hospital is the key to the success or failure of this programme. There is scope for duplication of this work in other Government hospitals at Karnataka.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Ambulatory Care Facilities
- Condoms
- Counseling
- Government
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Humans
- India
- education
- methods
- organization & administration
- psychology
Other ID:
UI: 102230126
From Meeting Abstracts