Knowledge and attitudes of population towards HIV/Aids in four states, Sudan

HIV/AIDS is a public health problem in the Sudan. The country is the most severely affected in North Africa and the Middle East with an estimated 500,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. The objectives of the study were to determine knowledge and attitude of the local population in selected states about HIV/ AIDS and to determine the relation between knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS and associated social factors. Design was descriptive, cross-sectional, community- based study conducted in Gezira, Sinnar, River Nile and Northen states. The population was those found in their settings during the visits in April 2009. Both sexes were enrolled and children below the age of 15 years of questionnaire and were analyzed by the computer using SPSS, version 13, soft ware. Knowledge of the population in the selected four states about HIV/AIDS was favorable [73%]. Tolerant attitude towards HIV-infected people was low [40%]. Results showed that males acquired better knowledge than females [76.2% versus 71.8%] but females were more tolerant towards HIV/AIDS than males [42% versus 37.4%]. Results showed that HIV/AIDS Knowledge graduates [92.6%] followed by basic and secondary [76.7%]. Illiterates acquired the least level of knowledge [42.4%]. The study showed that tolerance of population towards PLWHA increased according to the level of education. The university graduated was more tolerant [55.1%] than the basic/secondary [40.5%] and illiterates [21.9%]. It was shown that the single population was more tolerant towards PLWAH, followed by the married, the divorced and the widowed constituting 41.6%, 40.4%, 31.4% and 25% respectively. The study concluded that, level of knowledge was HIV/AIDS of the population in the selected states was good. Level of knowledge among males, the working force and the single population was higher than the females, those without jobs and the married. Level of HIV/AIDS knowledge increased according to the level of education, was higher among university graduates followed by basic / secondary and Illiterates. Attitude of the population in the selected states towards people living with HIV/AIDS "PLWHA" was low, only 40% had more tolerant attitude. Females, the highly educated and the working population were more tolerant towards HIV/AIDS than males, the less educated, and the nonworking population

Condom use among illegal multi-partners females in the Sudan

Professional multi-partners females have relatively high numbers of sexual partners. The prevalence of HIV among multi-partners is high. Illegal multi-partners females probably have the same high risk. To describe baseline indicators of condom use during sexual intercourse among a religiously prohibited, and socially non accepted population which is represented by illegal multipartners females. From Oct 2010 to Dec 2010, we collected data on condom use and sexual habits of 102 illegal multi-partners females, in two cities [Khartoum and Kasala]. Because it is religiously prohibited, and is a social stigma in an Islamic community, access to multi-partners females for research purpose is very difficult in Sudan. Nevertheless, women were recruited as they were seeking care in STIs at dermatology and STIs public clinics in Khartoum and Kassala The median age of female multi-partners was 36 years [range 21-56]. The reported median number of clients was 80 per month [range 4-200 clients]. Vaginal intercourse was most common [98%] and anal intercourse was infrequent [10%]. Of 102 participants, 97 [95%] reported no use of condom with their clients, whereas five women [4.9%] reported irregular use of condom. Of 102 participants only four [3.92%] are ported being tested for HIV infection. Of 102 participants 61/102 [60%] did not have condoms during sexual intercourse, whereas 20 [19.61%] reported resistance of the partners, 15% although they knew the benefit if using condoms, but partners pay more if not use and 5% were indifferent if use or not. Our results confirm that illegal multi-partners females may be at increased risk for HIV infection and so their clients will also be at high risk of contracting HIV. Beside being religiously and legally prohibited and socially unacceptable, this unsafe practice can create a serious health problem

Applicability of evidence based medicine in the Sudan

Evidence-based medicine [EBM] is a growing practice in health care that aims to bring and apply the best evidence from medical research outcome to the bedside, clinic and community. Although evidence based medicine is now well recognized and practiced in many developed countries, it is still not well known in medical practices in many other developing countries. The aim of this paper is to clarify the basic concept, methodology, resources of evidence-based medicine, situation, obstacles and its applicability in Sudan

Severe malaria in Sudanese children: clinical aspects and prognosis in hospitalized patients

To assess the epidemiology, clinical presentations, disease management, outcome and risk factors associated with severe malaria in children in four hospitals in Sudan. Follow-up prospective design was used to fulfill the objectives of the study in four hospitals: Omdurman pediatrics hospital, located in the capital [Khartoum] compared to Madani, Gadarif and Sennar hospitals located in other states. Total admission of severe malaria was 543 children representing 21% of all paediatric admissions, and 12% of malaria outpatient cases. Median age of children with severe malaria was 48 months. 93% of children with severe malaria died before the age of 9 years. Case fatality rate was 2.6%. The risk of dying because of delay was four times more than when there was no delay, 95% CI [1.5 - 14.3]. Other risks of death were severe malaria associated with coma, inability to sit or eat and hyperpyrexia. Omdurman hospital in Khartoum State in the capital, had the highest case management performance percentage compared to other regional hospitals. In view of this, it can be argued that deaths due to severe malaria could be reduced by improving health management and planning with the redistribution of resources [including consultants] at the central and regional levels and the conduct of proper training