Browsing by Author "Mpachika, Felistas"

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    Knowledge, perception and practice of community members on HIV testing and counseling services in children in Phalombe district
    (Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, 2009-12-01) Mpachika, Felistas
    HIV is the most dangerous STD affecting people of all ages. In children it is mostly transmitted through maternal — fetal transfer. The HIV & AIDS incidence is on the increase in both women and children. HTC is done in order to detect the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood and it involves counseling, before and after the test. The aim of this study was to establish community members' knowledge, perception and practice towards HTC services in children in Phalombe district. The study had the following objectives: to assess the level of knowledge of community members on HTC in children, to explore the factors that hinder the community from utilizing the HTC services, to assess the community's attitude towards HTC in children and to assess the level of satisfaction with the available HTC services in Phalombe district. The study was qualitative descriptive in nature. Both the pilot and the main study were conducted in Bokosi village T. A Mkhumba in Phalombe district in August and September 2009 respectively. A purposively selected sample was used and data was collected in 3 FGD's of 8-12 people using a focus group discussion guide. Data was analyzed manually. The findings of the study revealed that most of the community members were aware of how HIV is transmitted in children but they had no knowledge that children can also get tested. Lack of knowledge on testing, fear of stigma and discrimination were the major hindrances to HIV testing of children. The study also found out that the unfair treatment that HIV positive clients get in health facilities was one of the hindrances to HIV testing in some community members. The study therefore recommended that health workers should sensitize community members on HIV in children and the availability of HTC services to this group.