Knowledge, Attitudes & Practices of Medical Laboratory Technologists towards HIV/AIDS, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia | ||||
| Journal of High Institute of Public Health | ||||
| Article 8, Volume 31, Issue 1, January 2001, Page 77-90 | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/jhiph.2001.238870 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
| Ahmed M. A. Mandil1; Laila A. Bashawri2; Ahmed A. Bahnassy3; Abdul-Aziz Al-Jamaa4 | ||||
| 1Epidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt | ||||
| 2Medical Laboratory Technology Department | ||||
| 3Family & Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia | ||||
| 4Director, Laboratories, Qateef Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Medical laboratory technologists [MLTS] are among the professional groups at potential risk of contracting AIDS, through their jobs. Understanding their knowledge, attitudes and practices [KAP] viz-a-viz HIV/AIDS is mandatory, to identify any possible pitfalls, which would hinder protecting themselves and others. This study aimed at investigating the KAP of MLTS working at different healthcare delivery settings [ministry of health [MOH], university teaching, military, and industry-based hospitals] in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, concerning HIV/AIDS. It followed a cross-sectional approach, using a self-administered questionnaire for 223 randomly selected MLTS. SPSS-PC software was used for data management. More MLTs in the study were females [55.6 %], of university training [88.3 %], non-Saudis [63.7 %], and laboratory technicians [69 %] . Mass and mini media were the most important sources of their AIDS-related knowledge [43 - 55 %]. Most MLTS [93 %] had poor [< 60 %] or just good [60 - < 80 %] knoweldge scores. Female sex and university education were found to be associated with higher mean knowledge score. The great majority agreed to necessity of informing them about HIV positive samples they are handling [91,5 %]; being acquainted with hospital procedures in dealing with hazardous medical wastes [97.3 %], that AIDS patients are entitled to adequate treatment [87.4 % ]; and that such treatment should be provided by ministries of health [93.7 %]. Also, most MLTs followed infection control procedures and / or practice hand washing [72 81 %]. The study recommends using appropriate methods to improve the knowledge and practices of MLTS concerning AIDS. Undergraduate MLT students should receive intensive training, with respect to different aspects of HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention and control methods, with special emphasis on the universal blood precautions and infection control procedures. MLT trainers and professionals, as role models for their trainees, are strongly recommended to actively participate in CME programs, to always remain aware of the most recent developments in the field, and thus adopt / teach necessary protective procedures, accordingly. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Knowledge; Attitudes; Practices; Medical Laboratory Technologists; HIV/AIDS; Eastern Province; Saudi Arabia | ||||
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