ABSTRACT
Two hundred and ninety-three randomly-selected members of the staff of ICDDR,B: Centre for Health and Population Research were surveyed anonymously in June 1998, using a pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire, to assess their knowledge on, and attitude toward, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). All except 4 (1.4%) heard of AIDS. Main sources of information were radio and television (93%), newspapers and magazines (84.8%), posters and leaflets (70.2%), and friends (59.2%). About 94% of the respondents believed that HIV might spread in Bangladesh. Only 61.6% knew about the causative agent for AIDS. More than 96% had knowledge that HIV could be detected through blood test. The respondents were aware that unprotected sexual intercourse (92%), transfusion of blood and blood components (93.8%), sharing unsterile needles for injections (94.1%), and delivery of babies by infected mothers (82.7%) could transmit HIV. Similarly, the respondents had the knowledge that HIV infection could be prevented by using condom during sexual intercourse (85.5%), having sex only with an HIV-negative faithful partner (87.2%), avoiding transfusion of blood not screened for HIV (88.9%), and taking injections with sterile needles (86.5%). However, only 33.0% had the knowledge that HIV-infected persons can look healthy, and 56.4% were unaware of transmission through breastmilk. Most members of the staff, particularly at lower level, had misconceptions about transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS. More than 40% of the respondents had the attitude that HIV-infected persons should not be allowed to work, while another 10% did not have any idea about it. The findings of the study suggest that the members of the Centre's staff have a satisfactory level of essential knowledge on HIV/AIDS, although half of them have poor attitudes toward persons with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, preventive strategy for the staff should be directed toward behaviour change communication.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/psychology , Adult , Aged , Bangladesh , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Personnel/psychology , Humans , International Agencies , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Aun cuando la mortalidad por cólera ha declinado debido a un tratamiento apropiado, el desplazamiento de esa enfermedad es ahora más intenso que lo que fue a principios del siglo. La esperanza la protección por medio de una vacuna se han visto afectadas por la habilidad del cólera para cambiar su epidemiología. Los programas para el control de afecciones diarreicas han de continuar estimulando la prevención de esas enfermedades por medio de la educación de la comunidad e intervenciones en el campo de la higiene, ya que no hay solución "mágica" inminente o en perspectiva. Estudios de la epidemiología y del comportamiento se requieren aún para entender mejor aquellos factores que puedan continuar iniciando cambios impredecibles en el curso de esta enfermedad y en su distribución epidémica.