ATTITUDE OF HEALTH WORKERS TOWARDS CARE OF HIV/AIDS PATIENTS ATTENDING CLINIC AT FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE, MAKURDI, BENUE STATE
Keywords:
Attitude, Health Workers, HIV/AIDS, Patients, ClinicAbstract
This research work was carried out on attitude of health workers towards care of HIV/AIDS patients attending clinic at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Benue State. The objectives of the study are: to assess the attitude of health workers towards care of HIV/AIDS patients, determine factors influencing the attitude of health workers towards care of HIV/AIDS patients and identify ways of enhancing the attitude of health workers towards care of HIV/AIDS patients attending clinic. The study was anchored on the Dorothy Orem’s Theory of Self-Care. A descriptive design was adopted for the study. Taro Yamane’s Formula was used to select a sample size of 271 respondents from a target population of 841 health workers which were used to collect relevant data. The data collected through a questionnaire drafted to measure variables of the study with the aid of closed-ended questions and questions designed on a 4-point Likert scale. Findings revealed that out of 271 health workers, 243 (89.7%), 237 (87.5%), 259 (95.6%) and 251 (92.6%) said they are not am afraid of taking care of HIV positive patients, they will treat patients with HIV if given a choice, HIV and AIDS patients are not a waste of medical resources, and they believe HIV and AIDS patients deserve special treatment, respectively. Also, 147 strongly agreed that level of medical education, 132 strongly agreed that knowledge about HIV and perceived infection risk at work, and 123 strongly agreed with exposure to people living with HIV as factors influencing the attitude of health workers towards care of HIV/AIDS patients. The study recommended that regular, comprehensive training on HIV/AIDS for all healthcare staff should be organized to improve knowledge, foster positive attitudes and correct misconceptions. Also, education should aim to shift attitudes from fear and stigmatization to empathy and professional care, ensuring that all patients receive the same quality of service regardless of their HIV status.
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