Perception and attitude of hospital workers towards pre-operative HIV screening of patients in an eye hospital

Abstract

Aims: This study is aimed at assessing the perception and attitude of health workers in Guinness Eye Hospital, Onitsha, towards preoperative HIV screening of patients.
Methodology: Semi-structured questionnaire designed to collect information on HIV and its transmission, the perception and attitude to the preoperative HIV screening were administered to the subjects. Data analysis was manual and use of electronic calculator, simple percentage and contingency c2 test.
Results: Eighty seven questionnaires were distributed, 78(89.7%) were retrieved and analyzed. Sixteen (20.5%) of the subjects were males and 62 (79.5%) females. All the subjects were aware of HIV infection. Seventy seven (98.7%) of the respondents knew that preoperative HIV screening is done in Guinness Eye Centre, Onitsha. Seventy three subjects (93.6%) were in favour of preoperative HIV screening in the hospital, 4(5.1%) were against and 1(1.3%) had no opinion. All clinical staff supported preoperative HIV screening in the hospital.
Conclusion: Preoperative screening is recommended for all patients undergoing surgery. Seminars should be organized for all hospital workers and public to improve knowledge of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.


Keywords: Perception, Attitude, Hospital Workers, HIV screening, Eye clinic

Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 3 (1) 2008: pp. 91-95