Reasons contributing to low uptake of HIV testing and counselling services by health workers in Masvingo urban district

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV and AIDS have not spurred the health professionals despite the fact that the society expects health workers to be role models and have adequate knowledge of HIV and AIDS. This study wanted to identify the gaps that exist in the health workers' knowledge, skills and attitude in the practice of HIV Testing and Counselling services. The limitation was that the study was conducted at three workplace in Masvingo Urban District and cannot be generalised for the health professionals.The findings showed that the health workers have knowledge on HIV and AIDS and have relatively high level of uptake of HIV Testing and Counselling services and they know where to access the services. The recommendations are that there is need for continuous in-service education for health workers to be updated, need to explore additional barriers to HIV Testing and Counselling uptake, stigma at workplace and need to assure confidentiality so that health workers can access HIV testing and Counselling services freely. Health workers should be at the forefront of undergoing HIV Testing and Counselling, and explaining the benefits and advantages to the communities they operate in.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University