consultation of anonymous and free tracking of the HIV: attitudes and perception of the risk by the consultants

The infection by human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] is a worldwide public health problem. A Voluntary Anonymous Counseling and Screening Consultation [VASC] give the opportunity to inform high-risk population about the disease transmission its severity and especially the main prevention ways. Our study aims the description of the profile, attitudes and risk perception of consultants in Monastir University Hospital. We performed a descriptive study with a total of 172 consultants who used the services of the VASC during a period of three years [2006-2008]. Information's were gathered from an auto-questionnaire assessing infection risks. Consultant's means age was 26.8 +/- 7.5 years with a female predominance [sex ratio=0.67]. Two patients out of three did not exceed the primary school level and the 3/4 were single. Unprotected sex with multiple partners was the main consultation reason for 84% of patients and 96% knew that HIV is a severe infection. Regarding the practices, 38% had never used condoms and half [562%] had presented past episodes of sexually transmitted infections. According to our study, it is clear that the knowledge of consultants were satisfactory. However efforts should be made to address risk behaviours and attitudes toward infection

[ birth register as an evaluation tool of maternal and child health activities at district level]

Relevant epidemiological data are essential to improving management of maternal and child health services at district level. In public maternity hospitals of the health region of Monastir, Tunisia, a perinatal register has been established recording information related to pregnancy, childbirth and the condition of the newborn. During 1994, 7750 deliveries were registered, of which 46% took place in the university teaching hospital. Use of peripheral maternity hospitals varies according to the resources of the hospital; the university teaching hospital is highly attractive, especially for women from neighbouring districts. These findings raise the problem of the cost-effectiveness and relevance of opening new health facilities, particularly in times of economic crisis in the health care system