Knowledge of HIV by health professionals in Kampala, Uganda

A number of studies in the US have found low levels of knowledge among health care professionals about HIV transmission the clinical manifestations of HIV and preventive measures. Other studies have identified similar deficiencies in Greece India Mexico China Saudi Arabia and Taiwan. Health care professionals however play important roles in counseling patients to reduce HIV risk behaviors and need to be properly informed. The authors developed and implemented a 15-hour training course on HIV infection for health professionals in Kampala Uganda which was conducted over 5 afternoons and provided instruction upon HIV virology immunology transmission disease progression prevention and ethical issues of clinical care. 4 medical school students 4 nurses 1 social worker and 5 physicians completed the course. Baseline levels of HIV knowledge were assessed using a pretest questionnaire and compared against levels of knowledge following participation in the training course as assessed by a post-test questionnaire. Before the training the greatest deficiencies in knowledge related to HIV transmission prevention and the clinical manifestations of disease. The post-test scores indicated a significant improvement in participants knowledge of clinical manifestations and overall knowledge.