Document 0216
 DOCN  M9590216
 TI    How well prepared are doctors and nurses to care for HIV/AIDS patients
       at district level in northeast Thailand?
 DT    9509
 AU    Ford B; Kingsbury AM; Abel M; Xeuatvongsa A; Chirawatkul A; Tropical
       Health Program, University of Queensland Medical School,; Herston.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1994 Nov 3-6;6:48 (unnumbered
       abstract). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM6/95291883
 AB    While much emphasis has been placed on national HIV/AIDS programs,
       little has been written about programs at district or primary health
       care level. This study examines the implementation of national policies
       in one district of northeast Thailand. The knowledge, attitudes and
       practices of doctors and nurses in health centres and district-level
       hospitals were explored, using questionnaires, in-depth interviews and
       focus groups, supplemented by formal observations. In addition,
       district-level policies were compared with national ones. It was found
       that general knowledge about universal precautions and transmission of
       HIV was reasonably good, though no better among nurses who had recently
       had inservice training. However, several dangerous practices were
       identified, especially in the areas of disinfection and waste disposal.
       Needlestick injuries (which had occurred in 64% of nurses in the
       previous two years) were poorly managed. Nurses, despite great fears of
       becoming infected in the workplace, did not in general avoid caring for
       patients. They keenly felt the lack of support systems for nurses.
       District level staff need acknowledgement, training and logistic support
       if national programs are to be effective. It is also essential to ensure
       adequate management and planning capacity at this level.
 DE    *Developing Countries  Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional
       Hospitals, District  Human  HIV Infections/PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/*THERAPY/TRANSMISSION  Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  *Patient
       Care Team  Primary Health Care  Risk Factors  Thailand  Universal
       Precautions  MEETING ABSTRACT

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