Mumbai research on Knowledge of GPs on HIV/AIDS

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

This is to share with you all the findings of the research conducted by WHARF

in Mumbai

Knowledge of HIV Caregivers in Mumbai: An Educational Challenge. Presented at

ASICON –2005 New Delhi April 2005

Batura D.1, Menon M.S.1, Jerajani H.1, Dholakia Y.1, Batura R.1, Barve R.1,

Kushwaha C.1, Narayani S.1, Nair R.1, Khambaty A.1 , Makadon H.J.2

1Wockhardt-Harvard Medical International HIV/AIDS Education and Research

Foundation (WHARF), Mumbai, India

2Wockhardt-Harvard Medical International HIV/AIDS Education and Research

Foundation (WHARF), Boston, United States of America

Objective: As most persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) first consult general

practitioners (GPs), their advice affects quality of care. Thus, it is

essential that GPs be aware about all facets of the disease. This survey assess

the knowledge of GPs

Methods: 1162 consecutively consenting GPs were given a questionnaire and their

responses computed.

Results: Almost half were allopaths, 40.36% basic qualified, while8.78% were

additionally qualified. Homeopathy, Ayurveda, and other alternative systems

(Unani, Siddha and Naturopathy) were almost equally represented.

The sample averaged 57.96% correct responses in knowledge about laboratory

testing for HIV (range 61.9% -additionally qualified allopaths and 52%

-Ayurveda).

In knowledge of illness and symptoms, the sample averaged 63.08% (range:

59.88%-Ayurveda and 69.63% additionally qualified allopaths).

In awareness about HIV/AIDS medication the groups averaged 59.49 %( range:

67.08% -allopaths and 51.54%- Ayurveda).

They averaged a score of 61.4% in knowledge of prevention ranging between 62.67%

(homeopaths) and 59.59% (other alternative medicine).

On counseling issues, the groups’ average score was 61.4%, ranging between 70%

(additionally qualified allopaths) to 54% (Ayurveda).

The combined score over these five fields was 60.63% range: 66.03% (additionally

qualified allopaths) to 55.62% (ayurveda),

Conclusion: Our sample comprised of nearly half of allopathic doctors. Other

streams of medical practice were roughly equally represented.

Their average level of knowledge score was 60.63%. They fared the worst in their

knowledge of testing for HIV. This could impact on case detection, a cornerstone

in any public health program for

containment of an infectious disease. They showed a higher level of knowledge

in the application of preventive issues and counseling of PLWHA

Allopaths with additional qualifications have the highest knowledge sets and

Ayurveda practitioners the lowest.

_________________________________

Assessing Training needs of General Practitioners in HIV Management

Presented at the 3rd IAS conference on HIV Pathogenesis and treatment, Rio de

Janeiro, Brazil, July 2005

Batura D.1, Menon M.S.1, Gill L.J.S.1, Jerajani R.1, Shastri J.1, Khorakiwala

N.1, Dangaonkar D.1, Joshi S.1, Shrivastava O.1, Makadon H.J.2.

1Wockhardt-Harvard Medical International HIV/AIDS Education and Research

Foundation (WHARF), Mumbai, India

2Wockhardt-Harvard Medical International HIV/AIDS Education and Research

Foundation (WHARF), Boston, United States of America

Introduction: Mumbai city is home to a large number of PLWHA. General

practitioners (GPs) are the first point of contact between them and the health

care delivery system. Clearly, it is essential that health planners know about

the training needs of GPs.

Methods: 1162 consecutively consenting GPs in Mumbai were asked to fill a

questionnaire and their responses computed

Results: Of the 1162 GPs enrolled, 93.2% had cared for HIV patients at some

point of time. 38.38% had no experience in the field of HIV medicine; the others

had experience ranging from 1-20 years. Only 22.55% had ever attended any

HIV/AIDS training course Conclusions: 93.2% GPs had cared for a varying number

of PLWHA in their practice. A high percentage (38.38%) had no experience in HIV

medicine and this is at variance with their exposure to PLWHA.

Thus, irrespective of HIV management skills, GPs are frequently consulted by

PLWHA at some time and this underscores the need for enhancing their training.

Not withstanding this, only 22.55% had ever attended a course of instruction in

HIV medicine.

GPs in Mumbai have a very high exposure to PLWHA. A high percentage of them do

no not practice HIV medicine and have not been trained in it. This suggests the

need for training programs in HIV/AIDS medicine.

Deepak Batura

E-mail: <d_batura@...>