Al-Afifi MF, Al-Afifi RS; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).

Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. ThPeC7576.

AMAN Center, Gaza, Palestinian Territory

Background: Gaza Strip is 1.2 millions inhabitants in 362 sq.km. Ministry of Health (MOH) reported 23 cases of HIV infection in Gaza Strip in the period 1990-2002. the general community attitude consider AIDS as a punishment by God for a sin, and that they have to be isolated, and usually their families also suffer. A worthy observation was that the health staff had similar attitude in spite of their knowledge of the disease, which encouraged this study. Methods: In year 2002, a cross sectional study was designed to examine the knowledge, and attitudes (KA) of the health staff (doctors, nurses, and clerks) in a number of hospitals and clinics (total of 650 males and females) selected randomly. They completed a questionnaire and followed by discussion of their beliefs. The study also included a comparison with KA of the Hepatitis-B,C. The questionnaire included questions on clinical information, attitude towards sharing daily life activities, caring and examining, and possible social relations with HIV positive cases and as well hepatitis B,C cases. Results: 200 doctors, 150 clerks, and 300 nurses participated in the study. The results showed good knowledge of methods of infection, and as well the preventive methods (96% of doctors, 83% of nurses, and 65% of clerks know). While for attitude there was clear contradiction to knowledge: 73% of doctors, 80% of nurses, and 92% of clerks wouldn't agree to share any day life activities or come in contact with HIV patient. Similar attitudes towards hepatitis B,C were less aggressive being 35% of doctors, 40% of nurses, and 40% of clerks. Conclusions: The stigma of the HIV/AIDS had affected the attitudes of health staff and their behaviors towards the HIV/AIDS patients which may lead to discrimination. There is real need to do efforts to improve their attitudes and reduce the discrimination; being in close professional relation to these patients.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Attitude of Health Personnel
• Counseling
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Health Personnel
• Humans
• Male
• Middle East
• Nurses
• Physicians
• Questionnaires

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0037136

UI: 102281352

From Meeting Abstracts