Knowledge, attitudes and perception of antenatal mothers on syphilis test.
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Date
2009-06-12
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
This is a descriptive research study whose purpose is to determine knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of antenatal mothers on syphilis test. Descriptive study will be used because of its emphasis on exploring more during the data collection (Polit and Becker, 2006).
The antenatal care package consists of medical, surgical and obstetric history; physical examination from head to toe; iron supplement; tetanus toxoid vaccine and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria. It also consists of laboratory investigations such as blood for hemoglobin level; grouping and match; VDRL to rule out syphilis and HIV testing counselling; urine for protein, sugar and acetone and stool for parasites. Despite that all these tests are done, some women do not know anything concerning the tests neither are they given any information or explanation on the tests (Deperthes, 2004) leaving mothers unaware of what is happening.
The specific objectives of the study include to assess knowledge of antenatal mothers on syphilis test, to establish attitudes and perceptions of antenatal mothers on syphilis test, to establish challenges that are encountered by 1 antenatal mothers after having syphilis test and to establish strategies that could improve uptake of syphilis test. The study will be conducted at Bwaila hospital. A convenient sampling will be used to select subjects. This method provides a
variety of information. A sample of 12 antenatal mothers coming to the clinic for subsequent visits will be selected for the study. Data will be collected using an interview guide. The interviews will be done by the researcher herself to ensure validity and reliability of data. A pretest will be conducted at Bwaila hospital on 2 antenatal mothers before the main study. Data will be transcribed and analyzed manually. Themes from the collected data will be identified to organize content.