Attitudes and Practice of Health Care Workers about Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Health Care Workers (HCWs) play a key role in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention program, care and treat People Living with HIV (PLHIV). The evaluation of the attitude and performance among HCWs is regarded as one effective method for preventing the (HIV) spreading. This study was aimed to assess the attitude and practice of HCWs about HIV in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: In a cross‑sectional study, we recruited 350 eligible participants from five academic hospitals, three academics dental clinics and six health centers by the convenience multistage sampling. A standard questionnaire was used to evaluate HIV attitudes among the HCWs in Isfahan. The variables were compared between males and females by Chi‑square and t‑test. In addition, linear and logistic regression was utilized to investigate the factors affecting attitude. Results: Respondents had a moderate level of attitude toward PLHIV. About 2.00% of the respondents had a good attitude. Marital status (β=‑11.79, p = 0.048) was associated with attitude. Among women, wearing gloves was associated with attitude (β=5.96, p = 0.041). Conclusions: HIV attitude was not satisfactory among the HCWs in Isfahan. Therefore, the necessary measures and training are needed to improve the attitudes of health personnel and reduce stigma and discrimination toward PLHIV in health systems. Also, it is recommended to strongly monitor HIV infection control guidelines and instruction