Impact of HIV Testing and Counseling (HTC) Knowledge on HIV Prevention Practices Among Traditional Birth Attendants in Nigeria

Alice Osuji, Jennifer R. Pharr, Uche Nwokoro, Anulika Ike, Christiana Ali, Ogheneaga Ejiro, John Osuyali, Michael Obiefune, Kevin Fiscella and Echezona E. Ezeanolue
Additional contact information
Alice Osuji: Prevention, Education, Treatment, Training and Research-Global Solutions-PeTR-GS, Plot 25 Liberty Estate, Independence Layout Enugu, Enugu State 400001, Nigeria
Jennifer R. Pharr: School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 453067, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
Uche Nwokoro: Prevention, Education, Treatment, Training and Research-Global Solutions-PeTR-GS, Plot 25 Liberty Estate, Independence Layout Enugu, Enugu State 400001, Nigeria
Anulika Ike: Prevention, Education, Treatment, Training and Research-Global Solutions-PeTR-GS, Plot 25 Liberty Estate, Independence Layout Enugu, Enugu State 400001, Nigeria
Christiana Ali: Prevention, Education, Treatment, Training and Research-Global Solutions-PeTR-GS, Plot 25 Liberty Estate, Independence Layout Enugu, Enugu State 400001, Nigeria
Ogheneaga Ejiro: Ministry of Health, Asaba, Delta State, 1 Onyeka Close, Asaba, Delta State 320242, Nigeria
John Osuyali: Delta State Action Committee on AIDS, No. 5 Tom Adigwu St, Off DLA Rd, Asaba, Delta State 320233, Nigeria
Michael Obiefune: Prevention, Education, Treatment, Training and Research-Global Solutions-PeTR-GS, Plot 25 Liberty Estate, Independence Layout Enugu, Enugu State 400001, Nigeria
Kevin Fiscella: Department of Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Wilmot Cancer Center, 1381 South Ave Rochester, New York, NY 14620, USA
Echezona E. Ezeanolue: HealthySunrise Foundation, 8752 Castle Ridge Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129, USA

IJERPH, 2015, vol. 12, issue 2, 1-14

Abstract: Nigeria is second in the world for the number of people with HIV and has a high rate of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Over 60% of births in Nigeria occur outside of health care facilities, and because of this, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) play a significant role in maternal and child health. It is important that TBAs be knowledgeable about HIV prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of HIV testing and counseling (HTC) knowledge on the HIV prevention practices among TBAs in Nigeria. Five hundred TBAs were surveyed. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to assess differences in HIV prevention practices between TBAs with and without HTC knowledge. TBAs with HTC knowledge are significantly more likely to engage in HIV prevention practices than TBAs without HTC. Prevention practices included: wearing gloves during delivery ( p < 0.01), sterilization of delivery equipment ( p < 0.01), participation in blood safety training ( p < 0.01), and disposal of sharps ( p < 0.01). As long as a high percent of births occur outside health care facilities in Nigeria, there will be a need for TBAs. Providing TBAs with HTC training increases HIV prevention practices and can be a key to improve maternal and child health.

Keywords: HIV and AIDS; risk factors; traditional birth attendances; HIV preventive practices; HIV testing and counseling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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