Overview

Original Research

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS AND ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME: KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES AMONG HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN A SELECTED CITY, PHILIPPINES

SAGUIL, NOEL A. 1, SAGUIL, NOEL STEPHEN F. 2, ELLORIN, RACHEL S. 3, DE GUZMAN, SOFIA HAZEL 4, CAWALING, LENN ROSE N. 5, SAGUIL, ESTHER A. 6, and SAGUIL-EFONDO, DEBORAH A. 7.

Vol 18, No 07 ( 2023 )   |  DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/KFXT5   |   Author Affiliation: Ph.D, Chief, CETR- Research Institute for Science and Technology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta Mesa, Manila 1; Medical Technologist- Philippine Women’s University, Taft Ave., Manila 2; M.S Biology Student, Graduate School, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Philippines 3,5; M.S Biology Student, Graduate School, Polytechnic University of the Philippines; Laboratory Services Office, Manila Central University, Philippines 4; Chair, Out-patient Department, University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital, Philippines 6; Medical Officer 3, Pasay City Health Office, Philippines 7.   |   Licensing: CC 4.0   |   Pg no: 427-439   |   Published on: 11-07-2023

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a virus that targets CD4 cells (T-helper cells) can progressively weaken the immune system and leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Despite enacting the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act in 1998, the Philippines still faces challenges in giving sufficient attention to HIV/AIDS cases due to other urgent socioeconomic concerns. This study focuses on the current knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices (KAPP) of healthcare workers regarding HIV and AIDS. It aims to develop a primary healthcare model that is suitable for the needs of the community residing in the National Capital Region (NCR). To gain a better understanding of the issue, nurses and midwives from three local government units were surveyed. The findings indicate that healthcare providers treat HIV-positive patients fairly and without prejudice. Nurses and midwives possess adequate knowledge and positive attitude toward HIV/AIDS and are aware of preventive practices. But there is still a need for improvement and reinforcement in their knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission. Wherein this suggests that, in order to improve the delivery of HIV/AIDS care services locally, healthcare personnel need to have improved education and information.

Keywords

Healthcare, HIV/AIDS, KAPP; Philippines